Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: At the Mercy of a Burning Coal (#3645)
Author: Dawnblossom
Chapters: 42

Archive: Tolkien
Category: Femme Fatale
Description: A simple peasant girl named Lathwen works at her uncle's tavern in Bree. Her parents had died five years ago under mysterious circumstances, leaving her alone until her abusive uncle came to claim her. From the very day her uncle took her in, she knew he harbored a secret, a secret about her past...but never did she imagine that it would lead her down such a dangerous path, filled with terror and war...but also the love of an adored elf who yearns to have someone he knows who will be able to look past his rank. ***IT'S FINISHED! WITH AN EPILOGUE AND ALL!
Published: 26 Nov 2007
Updated: 01 Mar 2008
Warnings: Violence/language/graphic scenes/romance
Type: Action/adventure
Characters: Lathwen, her uncle, Lillian, Eothain, Glorfindel


Chapter 1 - The Simple Work of a Scullery Maid- Prologue

Disclaimer; I own nothing of Tolkien’s, but Lathwen is my character.

Lathwen was tending the blazing fire in the hearth, trying to ignore the servant’s whispers as they watched her. She knew that she was object to curiosity...as much as she had been five years ago, but it still bothered her.

Five years ago when she was thirteen, her parents had died suddenly, and she had found them lying on the floor, their faces the very pictures of terror. She remembered screaming for help, and frantically trying to "wake" her mother and father, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her father was a blacksmith, but her mother had once been a lady in waiting for the Lady Eowyn of Rohan until she met Lathwen's father and fell in love, coming to live with him and working as a seamstress.

Lathwen didn't remember their funeral; everything had been a blur then. She did remember walking out into the meadows a year after they died, and cursing the bees for buzzing, the flowers for blooming when they should have been weeping for her fallen parents. It should have rained that day, but instead the sun was shining, its warmth reminding Lathwen of her mother's embrace. The tall grass brushed against her legs, resurfacing the memory of her fathers coal black beard roughly pressed against her face when he kissed her forehead. Everything should have been dead and sad, mourning for what Lathwen had lost, but instead it was the exact opposite, as if trying to spark the painful memories that she held locked in the back of her mind.

Her uncle who had seemed kind and gracious at the time had generously offered to take his own niece in. Immediately when he returned to his home, he threw her harshly into the servant’s quarters and told them, barked at them actually, to give her something decent to wear so she could go to worn in the tavern. Naturally, the servants were curious about who she was, but her “kind” uncle only frowned and growled that it was none of their business.

And so Lathwen had lived in cold, harsh conditions, taking beatings and verbal abuse with a quiet acceptance, silently seething under the surface, wishing fiercely that she could hurt them back without being beaten up ten times as badly as before.

Lathwen brushed her black hair out of her grey eyes, looking pointedly at the servants clustered around the doorway watching her. Instantly, they left, going back to their duty. Lathwen sighed and wiped her hands on the stained white apron she wore over a threadbare blue dress. Her eyes scanned the crowded, smoky tavern as she straightened up.

The tavern was not a pleasant place, and Lathwen had learned her best swears and insults by listening to customers and servants complain about her uncle. Of course, he knew he was hated, but nobody could do anything about it…their jobs were on the line. But no one loathed him more than Lathwen did…she was counting the days waiting when she could actually do something about her poor job.

Until then, she would continue doing the work of a simple scullery maid…tending, cleaning, washing, mending, and cooking. Still, she kept hoping that someone would come to deliver her from this abusive place if she couldn’t do it herself.


Chapter 2 - Secret Unveiled

Disclaimer; I do not own anything of Tolkien’s (regretfully) and I’m sure you’ll all be able to distinguish which characters are mine, and which are his.

Lathwen continued tending to the fire for another minute or so, turning around only when the door creaked open, then slammed shut. She saw a figure in a grey hooded cloak walk in, drawing silence from the men of Bree. Her grey eyes tried to pierce through the tavern’s dimly lit room under the hood of the stranger, but they failed. Silently as she could, Lathwen crept into the kitchen and pushed past the other staff that was buzzing happily about their lives. That is, their lives when they weren’t in this horrid place.

Silently wondering about this stranger’s origin, Lathwen tied up her hair in a braid and walked out with a serving tray, the cook telling her which table that it belonged to. As she wove her way through the crowds, Lathwen realized that the stranger was now sitting in a corner booth, alone, and by the looks of things, trying not to draw attention. Lathwen walked over to a table where a bunch of rowdy and mostly drunk men sat, arguing fiercely about some poor fellow.
“— ‘ee’s crazy I say! Loony!”
“ Dang right ‘ee is! Comin’ back in the beginnin’ of da fall, expectin’ us to work for ‘im after what ‘ee did! No siree!”

Lathwen cleared her throat impatiently, and for a moment, all of the men’s bloodshot eyes focused on her. “ Your meals.” Lathwen said firmly, not bothering to add in a ‘sir’. They were all drunk, they wouldn’t notice. Quietly, she began serving them, looking at the stranger out of the corner of her eyes. Suddenly, she gasped and almost spilled the pints of beer on the men who immediately started complaining loudly about how hard it was to find good staff these days.

Lathwen straightened, looking squarely at the stranger. Odd as it seemed, she thought she had just seen his cloak shimmer and merge with the shadows so that he was invisible. She shook her head at her foolishness and took the tray away, bearing it back to the cook who was looking slightly worried.

“ What is it Rosemary?” She asked the girl of age twenty or so. Rosemary pushed stray pieces of hair back from her face as she said, “ I do believe the master’s gotten himself acquainted with the ale!” Lathwen laughed loudly and said in an amused tone, “ Serves him right…I hope he embarrasses himself.” Still giggling, she walked away with another tray into the corner of the room where she served two stately looking men who thanked her politely. As always, Lathwen smiled at them and started toward the kitchen door when she overheard hearty laughter.

“ From Gondor you say? I had business there once…with the healer woman…Dolithiel!”

Lathwen froze…her uncle. A smooth voice replied back, but Lathwen couldn’t understand what it was saying, but she knew it was a man. Her uncle practically shouted again, “ What do you mean I don’t have to? It would be my pleasure to tell you son!” Lathwen watched as her uncle reached across the booth table and patted the man’s shoulder…she couldn’t help smirking as the man recoiled.


Her uncle belched then said, “ You’ll be like the son I never had! Always wanted one of course, but all I got were stinkin’ grandkids. Anyway, I was in Gondor because I had to get rid of my niece’s inheritance.” Lathwen dropped her tray, and all went silent. The stranger’s head whipped around, and he stared at Lathwen who was standing there with her eyes wide in surprise.

Her uncle chuckled and went on, “ Eh, go back to your talkin’ people! I’ve got business to work out.” As everyone went back to their chatter, he fixed his watery eyes on Lathwen and said, “ You girl…get back to the kitchens.” Lathwen sighed in relief because he hadn’t recognized her.

He turned to the stranger and continued, “ So, I gave the inheritance to Dolithiel and made her promise to get rid of it, under the painful punishment of death.” At the last word, he pounded his fist against the wooden table.

Spit flew from his mouth as he continued, “ I placed guards with her to make sure she wouldn’t spend it…there may be a time when I need to retrieve such valuables. So, I came back within a week and the guards said that she had given the stuff to a male who was passing through the city…and he promised to keep it safe until I needed it.”

Her uncle belched loudly again as Lathwen picked up her tray slowly, but didn’t move from her position in the shadows of the corner.

“ And its been with him ever since! Clever of me ain’t it son? Ain’t it?! And the funny thing is that she’ll never guess! She’ll never…she’ll…she won’t…ever…e’vr…” Her uncle slumped on the table and began to snore very noisily while Lathwen fled to the kitchen’s where she found the staff still with shock.

Rosemary shook her head at Lathwen and said, “ Well I’ll be! He never mentioned he had a niece!” The others proceeded to comment similarly, and a bubble of chatter rose. Lathwen shrugged and pushed her way through the kitchens into the backrooms where she shared her quarters with the servants.

Quickly she went through her meager bag of belongings and drew out a grey cloak, different from the stranger’s cloak in some way; even if similar in color, and clasped it about her neck. She took in a shuddery breath and placed a small bag full of coins in her pocket.

“ Mother, I promised you never to bend or break…and I haven’t. I won’t let him torture me like this any longer…you have my word.” She whispered as she slipped out of the back entrance and walked down the sunlit dirt road at a quick pace.

Tears slipped down her cheeks, despite her attempts to hold them back. Images of her sweet, gentle mother and her auburn hair flooded her mind. A lullaby her mother used to sing came to her mind.

Close your eyes, my love, my own
My precious child, mo storing

Dun do shuil, a run mo chroi
Is gheobhair feirin amarach

The summer’s come with warmth and sun
The grainy leaves are growing
Softly sleep while watch I keep
The breeze is gently blowing

The tears pricked her eyes again, blinding her vision as she saw her father working in his shop, his strong forearms pounding on metal. She remembered the exact sound of the clanging that could be heard from across town. She put her hood up and stopped the tears, her throat thick with grief. She stood outside of a small house for a moment to catch her breath before continuing down the road toward a pawnshop nearby. It was a favorite rendezvous of many of the seamy types, but an interesting place at that.

A couple years before she had formed a very vague plan in her mind…one about her escape. Of course, she couldn’t fulfill it because her uncle had threatened death upon the others she held dear. Now however, the ones she held dear were dead or far away to where her uncle’s long arm of terror couldn’t reach.

Lathwen stood outside the dusty pawnshop, looking inside its dirty windows before putting on a determined face and walking inside. She was shocked to see that the place was empty of customers. A wiry man who walked with a slouch popped up from behind the counter. At first sight he reminded Lathwen of a weasel…slimy and just as clever. She couldn’t, and wouldn’t, trust him.

“ It’s closing time missy!” He said in a voice as oily as his hair. Lathwen stood firm and jingled her pouch of gold around, “ Pity,” She said breezily, “ I had a good offer.” She knew that her words combined with the sound of gold would change the man’s mind. She had experience in such ways because she had lived here for so long.

The weasel-like man leaned on the counter and eyed her suspiciously. Lathwen didn’t put down her hood, but she was sure he could see her face anyway, so it didn’t really matter. “ What is it you want lass?” He asked in a rough tone. Lathwen’s chin shot up…a stubborn habit. “ I want a bow and a quiver full of arrows…that is, a bow and quiver full of arrows that *are not* defective in *any* way.”

The man’s eyes glittered at the prospect, “ You drive a hard bargain,” He said with a dramatic sigh, “ It’s so hard to come by such things these days.” Lathwen stepped up to the counter and said, “ Nevertheless, that is what I want.” Her voice was calm and confident. Perfect if you were dealing with these types.

The man ‘harrumphed’ at her and said, “ How ‘bout if they’re defective in design?” Lathwen didn’t blink an eye, “ Show me.” She demanded. The shopkeeper nodded and ducked into the back room. Seconds later he brought out a beautiful bow made of white oak and razor sharp arrows in a tough leather quiver.

Lathwen looked at them with a raised eyebrow. The bow was somewhat fancy, silver tipped and flowers carved on it. The quiver was plain, no embroidery or anything…and the arrows seemed strong, sturdy…Lathwen guessed that they came from some rich noble fallen on hard times. They were very well made.

Though she didn’t have experience in such things, she often heard her uncle talking loudly before going on a hunt with some of his fellows. They often commented on good quality bows they had seen at the market or even at this pawnshop…and that was how Lathwen knew *what* made a good quality bow.

Lathwen jingled her bag of gold again, “ How much?” She demanded. The man’s eyes glinted with a greedy flash of light and he said, “ All of it.” Lathwen argued back, “ One third.”
“ Half.”
“ Done.”

However skilled she was at recognizing well-made bows, she had poor bartering skills, but by the look in the man’s eyes, she saw that it was a bit overpriced. Lathwen counted out the coins and the man pocketed them gleefully, handing her the bow and arrows. Lathwen put her hand on the counter to stop the man from going, “ These better not be defective in *any* way, or you will be sorry…I give you my word.” The shopkeeper swallowed and shook his head defensively. “ They were given to me by some lady in silk lass…revenge on her husband she said.”

Lathwen chuckled dryly, without any humor. She’d heard stories about this man, and she knew that he wasn’t to be trusted. “ I’m sure. But it doesn’t matter who gave them to you…it matters if they work or not. Good day.” With that, she turned around and walked out of the shop, her wares in hand.

She stepped outside with a sigh of relief, feeling the adrenaline rush drain away. Lathwen put the quiver on her back, and carried her bow. It was evening now, and the sun was setting. She shivered, imagining her uncle’s fury when she got back. This time though, she would be ready to face his wrath, and she wouldn’t be afraid. She wasn’t going to let him do this to her all of her life…she was setting out for her inheritance.


Chapter 3 - Clash of Wills

Disclaimer; I don’t own Tolkien’s characters *sigh* but I’m sure one day…oh, you’re still there? Never mind…

Lathwen shivered as the cold breeze blew, her thin dress doing nothing to block the wind. She wrapped her cloak around her, still clutching her bow. A black fear coiled in her stomach as she thought of her uncle’s rage when she got back…that is, if he was still awake. He might be knocked out from all of the ale.

Lathwen ran faster as the tavern came into view, like a beacon to the lost. She scurried into the servant’s quarters through the back entrance, breathing a sigh of relief to be in the stifling warmth once more.

As she looked around the dimly lit quarters, she saw that no one was there but she. Quickly, she went over to her little corner and stuffed the bow and arrow in a secret hideaway carved into the wall. It had been there ever since they (the other staff) could remember Rosemary told her once. Lathwen smiled wryly as she saw the collection of dust and cobwebs in there. Apparently nobody had seen a use for it. She took off her cloak and closed the hideaway, walked timidly into the kitchen.

Rosemary caught sight of the wary little lass and she boomed, “ Come child! The master is asleep, no need to be frightened!” Lathwen felt the weight lift from her shoulder’s as she walked more confidently to the cook’s side. Rosemary shoved a tray at Lathwen and said, “ Table four. Scared off have the customer’s he did! Miracle this place is still running after all the times this has happened before…miracle I stayed to, though sometimes I wonder why…”

Lathwen rolled her eyes, having a feeling that the familiar speech was coming on. Rosemary often preached about why or how she stayed here to the other staff, especially the new ones. Lathwen remembered her first time here, and frowned slightly as she went into the dining area to serve the men sitting there.

She gasped silently as she saw an arrogant and flighty looking girl, perhaps no older than herself, perched on a man’s knee. She grimaced slightly as the man planted a sloppy kiss on the poor lass’s cheek. Lathwen wondered silently how she could stand it…if she ever married, it would be to a reliable man, not some drunkard who was a regular at the tavern and had already tied the knot with the ale. But maybe there weren’t any respectable men left in the world…who could say? Certainly not Lathwen, she’d never been outside of Bree.

Lathwen mentally slapped herself as she went back to the kitchens. She had forgotten to ask for a map! What a fool she was! She should have realized that preparing a run away took more time than this! She’d need provisions, a horse, a map, and lots of practice with the bow…but maybe she could learn on the way to Gondor. She dismissed that notion almost immediately…there would be enemies outside of Bree, or even inside, and if she couldn’t fight, she couldn’t escape…if she couldn’t escape, she couldn’t live…and from then on it would all go downhill.

She sighed as Rosemary absentmindedly loaded up her tray again, speaking rapidly to a younger boy who was looking like a caged wolf. Listening in for a moment, Lathwen almost lost it…the poor boy, it was…the speech. Lathwen put the pints of ale in front of two very short, hairy men. At a second glance, Lathwen saw that their feet didn’t touch the ground. She frowned…they weren’t hobbits (to hairy) and they certainly weren’t men (definite differences) so they had to be…dwarves? The fairy tale short men who dug for gold? But it couldn’t be! There were no such things as dwarves!

Lathwen rubbed her temple and noticed that the fire was getting low. She hurriedly returned the tray to Rosemary who was still babbling on to the now frightened looking boy. Grabbing an armful of logs, she silently walked into the dining area again and positioned the wood in the fire. She crouched beside it, occasionally blowing on it and poking at with the poker. A movement at the door caught her eye and she turned.

Lathwen’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. The cloaked man was still there! And another man (or whatever they were) in an identical cloak was at the door speaking quickly with the cloaked man. She frowned as the stranger hurried out the door, leaving the cloaked man to eat his meal in peace at his booth. She distantly heard the sound of footsteps, and then hoof beats as the man left the tavern by horse.

“ Troublemaker?” Asked a voice behind her. Lathwen stood up from her crouch and turned to face a customer who was red in the face, looking quite drunk. Her eyes darted to the table where the flighty girl was looking on, quite pouty.

She glared at Lathwen who merely raised an eyebrow and turned back to the man, “ Perhaps. But it is none of your concern sir. You’d best be going back to your wife.” However timid and scared she was around her uncle, Lathwen was not shy at all when it came to strangers’, as oxymoronic as that may seem.

The man’s face turned purple as he pointed a beefy finger at Lathwen and roared, “ You! How dare you speak to me that way wrench!” Lathwen put a defiant hand on her hip and said coolly, “ I’ll speak to you any way I want drunkard.” The man looked as if he was going to explode, and Lathwen silently hoped his liver would burst from temper.

The man let out a bellow of incomprehensible swears as he rushed at Lathwen, arm raised for a punch. Lathwen’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline, as she speedily grabbed a nearby customer’s dinner plate and hit the man’s fist with it’s flat part. Food splattered the man’s clean shirt and breeches, but unluckily, it did not block his mouth or unlock his common sense. The man growled and swung to face her again, charging as he hollered at her. Lathwen merely stepped aside, ignoring the angry customer’s complaints about spilled food. The man slipped on gravy, chicken, and peas, and fell to the ground.

The tavern was in an uproar, the customer’s standing on chairs and tables, throwing food at each other, guzzling ale, shouting and laughing in a drunken way. Somewhere angry, some amused, and some had fallen asleep on the table and were unaware of the strange happenings. Lathwen looked about and noted that the stranger in the booth was watching, arms crossed, long legs crossed at the ankles.

“ QUIET!” A very loud voice bellowed, drawing silence from everyone in the tavern. The silence rang with an air of apprehension and fear. A man strode heavily into the room and snarled, “ WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! YOU ALL WOKE ME!”

The drunken man on the floor got up, covered in a meal and spoke angrily, “ This serving wrench goaded me beyond my patience. I was going about my business, asking her a simple question when she attacked me with her foul tongue!” He jabbed his finger furiously towards Lathwen who had managed to stay clean. She trembled slightly as her uncle fixed his livid gaze on her being.

Venom ran through his voice as he said maliciously, “ Lathwen. I should have guessed. Thirty lashes and no food or water for a week.” Her uncle stalked toward her, grabbing the dog whip he kept in the corner. Lathwen backed up a few steps but then willed herself to stop. She would take the punishment quietly, no cries of pain or sadness…nothing that would please him.

But an image of her mother sprang to her mind, and she picked up the plate from the floor and said in a firm voice, “ No!” Her uncle stopped dead in his tracks, his face paling. He gaped like a fish, but shut his mouth with a snap. He frowned at her and hissed in a deadly quiet voice, “ What-did-you-say?” Lathwen stood firm, “ I said ‘no’.”
“ YOU WILL NOT DISOBEY ME WRENCH!”
“ YES I WILL!”

The silence was like pressure, and all you could hear was Lathwen’s ragged breathing and her uncle’s own furious gasps. Her uncle made a move toward her but Lathwen screamed, “ NO! TO LONG HAVE YOU TREATED ME THIS WAY UNCLE! NO MORE WILL I SUFFER UNDER YOU!” A gasp went throughout the room, and then babbling started. Lathwen turned to the doorway to the kitchen where the servant’s were, gawking at her, eyes wide. “ And yes, before you all ask…I am his niece.” Her uncle shouted a swear at her, his face turning puce. Lathwen’s breathing sped up as energy pumped through her. She threw the plate as hard as she could at her uncle, and it struck the arm holding the whip.

“ I PROMISED MY MOTHER BEFORE SHE DIED THAT I WOULDN’T LET ANYONE HARM ME! BECAUSE OF YOU, I WAS FORCED TO BREAK THIS PLEDGE! IT’S YOU’RE FAULT UNCLE!”
“ SHUT UP! YOU’RE NOTHING MORE THAN A SERVING MAID! A WEAK, TRAITOROUS FEMALE WHO SHOULDN’T BE HEARD, OR SEEN!”

Lathwen shouted back, “ WEAK? IS THAT WHAT I AM?! YOU TELL ME HOW I COULD SURVIVE FIVE YEARS OF LIVING UNDER YOU AND STILL BE WEAK! I HATE YOU AND EVERYTHING YOU STAND FOR! I’M LEAVING UNCLE!”

Her uncle paled even more (if that were possible) and said, “ Where would you go? You have nowhere besides here wrench! You will stay and serve me!” Lathwen’s eyes were lit with a defiant fire as she said, “ I have nowhere else to live, correct…but I do have somewhere to go.”

“ Where?” Her uncle asked, his voice nothing more than a whisper. Lathwen sneered at him and said, “ To get my rightful belongings…I’m going to seek out my inheritance.” Once more a buzz filled the room until Lathwen’s uncle said, “ You don’t know where it is you…you…idiotic female!” Lathwen smirked and said, “ You shouldn’t drink so often uncle.”

She ran out of the room, and into the kitchen where a thousand hands pressed on her, voices demanding to know the whole story. Lathwen struggled through them and into the servant’s quarters where she put on her cloak and grabbed the bow and arrows out of the secret hideaway. Quickly, she took the leather bag, which held her belongings and ran outside through the back entrance.

Breathing hard, she stopped only to sling her weapons onto her back along with her leather pack. She ran as fast as she could down Browning Lane, and around the corner to the barn.

She knocked frantically at the Ragwart’s door, and their son came out, the burly smith’s apprentice. Her irregular breathing had calmed slightly and she asked, “ Please…can I…see…the horses?” Their son grinned toothily and said smoothly, “ Fine…you’ll be Lathwen, right?” Lathwen nodded, following the strong youth to the barn.

Lathwen wondered if people came at regular intervals to see their horses in the dead of night, or if there was some other reason he was helping her. A wisp of a thought crossed her mind, and she suddenly knew the reason. She smiled, deciding to play on it so she could get away faster.

Lathwen walked closer to the boy’s side, grinning shyly at him, batting her eyelashes. He rewarded her with a wink as he pulled open the barn door, muscles rippling.

The barn was large and sturdy, and it held many horses. Lathwen gasped as she stepped inside and walked down the aisle, looking at the many fine mares and stallions held there. Casually walking closer to the son, she asked, “ So…which one’s the fastest?” The son took Lathwen’s hand and pulled her across to the other side of the aisle where he showed her a white mare with a rusty red mane and tail. Lathwen gasped and squealed, “ Oohh! She’s beautiful!” The son nodded and twined his other hand with hers and said proudly, “ She’s got stamina to….her name’s Rosethorn ‘cuz she’s stubborn, but a real beauty.”

Lathwen looked shyly up at the lad through her thick black eyelashes and asked, “ Can I sit on her, just for a minute?” The son looked hesitantly at his house, then back to a coy Lathwen and nodded. “ All right…but just for a moment.” Lathwen smiled radiantly and kissed the lad on his cheek and said thank you. He looked shocked, but pleased as he saddled up Rosethorn and helped Lathwen onto her. Lathwen smiled as she saw that the saddlebag was filled with, what she hoped to be, food and water.

Lathwen sat sidesaddle and walked Rosethorn around for a minute, getting the feel for her. Then the son glanced back nervously at his home and offered a hand to help her get down. “ You’d better go.” Lathwen sighed and reached down, “ You’re right…I should.” But instead of taking his hand, she pushed him away so he fell down.

Lathwen wheeled Rosethorn sharply and cantered out of the back entrance, which was left open. The lad shouted after her, making a big ruckus. Cursing the noise she made, Lathwen rode quickly and fearfully out onto Lavender Lane and rode away to the far side of town she knew to be the way out of Bree.

If she had looked behind her at all, she would have seen a figure in a cloak following her on a midnight black horse.


Chapter 4 - Alanessa

Disclaimer; If I owned Tolkien’s characters, they’d all have many injuries…unluckily for Lathwen, and Lillian, I own them and they can’t do anything about it.

The stars twinkled mischievously above Lathwen as she galloped quite hard down the abandoned road before her. For three miles (a league) all she heard was the sound of hoof beats and her own fast breathing. She wanted to be sure that nobody would be able to catch up if they followed her. But then, who’d want to help her uncle on his own free will, besides his guards who were getting paid very well? Her uncle, after all, was somewhat of a nobleman who could afford such luxuries.

For Lathwen, the time flew by, Rosethorn’s hooves digging up clods of dirt and dust, along with weeds and summer flowers, causing the path to become clouded. The moon lit the path for her, and that was good seeing as she had no means of light. After another mile or so, she slowed a fatigued Rosethorn to a trot, then a walk, and then she stopped her altogether. Lathwen’s breathing had slowed, but her heart was still pounding.

She led Rosethorn by the bridle to the side of the weather-beaten path where grass was growing. On both sides there were towering trees…apparently she was in some part of the woods. Rosethorn was eating and staying put, but Lathwen was itching to be off again. So she patiently waited for Rosethorn to finish eating and resting while she took off the saddle and opened up the saddlebag while she knelt on the dry ground.

With a smile, she saw that it contained an empty waterskin, some stale bread and cheese, an apple, and some dried meat. Lathwen wasn’t hungry at the moment, and it would be better if she saved some of her provisions for later. She pulled out a copper colored bracelet, but immediately put it back, seeing as it was no use to her now. As she dug deeper into the bag, Lathwen felt something hard and metal hit her fingernail. She drew it out and gasped. It was an oak leaf shaped brooch made of silver and…what was it? Lathwen hadn’t seen it before…it was brighter and shinier than silver, but the same color. Lathwen shrugged and almost put it back in the bag. Almost.

It was such a beautiful thing, lovely, delicate workmanship, but Lathwen would feel guilty if she wore it. With a sigh, Lathwen moved her hand into the moonlight so she could see it clearer. For a moment it felt like it was searing cold, but then it returned to its normal temperature, and looking even more closely, Lathwen could see some script. It was most definitely some sort of writing, but the words and form were spider web thin, and they were strange to her. She didn’t know what it said.

She dropped it into the pocket of her dress and stood up, heaving the saddle against a particularly large tree. Lathwen unstrapped the bow from her back, and selected an arrow, pulling it from the quiver. Now was a good a time as any to practice. Lathwen frowned as she looked at the bow and arrow in her hands. She had seen the little boys in Bree when playing ‘war’ shoot arrows at their ‘enemies’ stuffed sackcloth dummies. She had watched them time and time again, and thankfully, she had the general idea.

Frowning in concentration, Lathwen bent the bow and placed the arrow on the string. She marveled at how hard it was to pull the bowstring back, but she managed to get the feather of the arrow near her earlobe. Aiming at a huge oak tree, she released the string and let out a yelp. Without looking to see where the arrow had gone, she dropped the bow and pulled back the sleeve of her dress where a welt was forming on her wrist. She needed an arm guard, and badly if she was going to have to practice. Lathwen took the flat metal bracelet out of the saddlebag and slipped it onto her left hand. It covered from her wrist all the way up to the middle of her forearm. Where had the Ragwart’s gotten all of this from?

She chose an arrow again, and set it on the string. Lathwen aimed at the big oak a yard away, and released the arrow. Her jaw dropped as she watched it fly from the bow and bury itself in the tree. Lathwen drew another arrow and let it go, but she missed the tree by inches. At least the bowstring didn’t cut into her anymore. She sighed as she tramped over to the tree to pick up her arrows, if she was going to be able to defend herself, she’d need more than luck…she’d need much more practice.

Lathwen walked back to Rosethorn and put the saddle on her, slinging her arrows and bow on her back. She tied the leather bag (which held her spare clothes, a hairbrush, and some ribbon) to the saddle horn and mounted up. Just as she was guiding Rosethorn off of the grass and onto the soft dirt path, she heard the distant echo of hoof beats, and what sounded like a man speaking in a low voice to his horse.

Lathwen knew it might not be anybody dangerous, but she decided not to take that chance. In a panic, she kicked Rosethorn into a gallop, and didn’t slow down until she had put a considerable distance between herself and the other horse.

***
That was the last time Lathwen was going to see anything of Bree for a very long time. The road she was traveling on was called the Great East Road, the road east of Bree that led to the Midgewater, and Weather Hills, and most dauntingly of all, Weathertop. Of course, Lathwen didn’t know any of this at that point in time, but she would soon find out where she had been, and where she had to go.

***
Lathwen had ridden through the night, stopping seven times for Rosethorn to rest. By the light of dawn, she could see that she was no longer surrounded by trees, and was on top of a hill. She could see many others around her, but one stood out in particular. It was larger, and taller than the others, and Lathwen thought that she could discern piles, no, a ring of stones on top of it. The ruins of some castle? Tower? Or was this a hallucination?

Lathwen snorted to herself as she sat astride Rosethorn, “ Just because you’ve never seen any of these things doesn’t mean that they’re hallucinations.” She scolded herself, “ Honestly Lathwen, pull yourself together girl!” Sighing, she reached down and opened the saddlebag and drew out the apple, munching on it as she guided Rosethorn toward the big hill in the hope that she’d be able to see something from the top of it.

The apple’s juice made Lathwen realize how parched she was. Her lips were cracked and her mouth was dry. She sucked all of the juice from the bite of apple she had just taken before chewing and swallowing the rest. If only she could find water…maybe there was some ahead.

Lathwen urged Rosethorn to a trot and looked behind herself. She sighed in frustration as she saw five figures exit the woods, which she had just come out of too. One bore a banner with her uncle’s symbol on it…a bear. The symbol had always been a joke among the staff at the tavern, but right now, Lathwen had no intention of laughing. She heard one of them call faintly to the others and point to her.

She turned around and cantered down the rest of the hill and onto the next, almost at the huge. On the way, she threw down the apple core and focused fully on reaching the top of the massive hill.

Oddly enough, she wasn’t afraid of the guards that her uncle sent, and she wasn’t even scared of the gigantic hill before her, which was a place of fear among the inhabitants of Bree. Lathwen had no idea why it created superstitions among them; she had no idea why people were afraid of a hill. It was a *hill* for pities sake!

Lathwen was halfway up the huge hill when she looked behind her and saw that the guards weren’t following. In fact, they were just watching. Soon enough, they turned around and went back into the woods at the leader’s command. Lathwen grinned to herself and urged Rosethorn up the rest of the hill, “ Come on girl, just a little bit further and then you can rest. You can make it.”

Rosethorn must’ve understood Lathwen’s words somehow, for when they reached the top, she stopped dead with a low whinny that echoed through the barren land. Lathwen winced at the loud sound and dismounted, feeling pins and needles in her legs. She took off Rosethorn’s saddle and leaned it against one of the parts of the stonewalls that were still intact. With a sigh of relief Lathwen began walking around the summit’s perimeter.

Once she had completed one lap, the tingling in her legs was gone, and she was feeling strangely awake. She had figured that after a day without sleep she would live up to her uncle’s standard and become a grouchy bear. But maybe it was overtiredness. This place was depressing, causing her to feel very alone.

Lathwen went to the part of the hill that they had entered in and looked around…she couldn’t see a single living thing around. Letting out a breath, Lathwen began to go back to Rosethorn, but stopped as she saw a movement out of the corner of her eye.

Whipping her head around, Lathwen spotted something that looked as if it had recently escaped from hell. A cross between a goblin and some sort of creature that looked as if it lived in the swamps was struggling halfway up the hill. It had brownish yellow skin and was wearing animal hides. It had a helmet on, and was carrying what looked like a crowbar. It definitely wasn’t clean, polite, or healthy. It was limping; one foot dragging like a piece of dead meat.

Lathwen’s nose wrinkled involuntarily. She had heard of these things in strange fireside tales told by the warrior men that came into Bree. Of course, they’d only told these stories when drunk, so she hadn’t been very sure of their reliability until now. Orc’s they were called, servants of an evil lord whose name no one in Bree dared to utter.

She drew an arrow from her quiver and put it on the bowstring, and then she let go and watched with a sort of pride as it hit the creature’s abdominal, right above its left hip. It let out a shrill scream then dropped down and lay still.

Disgust overcame her delight in aiming well when she saw that she had killed it. She had killed chickens in the kitchen for Rosemary, squashed beetles and spiders, but somehow this was different.

Lathwen ran down half of the hill until she came within a yard of the creature. Truly, up close it was even more disgusting, its black blood pooling about it. Lathwen picked up a handful of pebbles and heaved them at the orc who didn’t move when they hit it. Just to be sure, she took a large stone and threw it at the orc who stayed still. It was dead.

She timidly approached it and circled around it, marveling that such a thing actually existed. She saw a pouch around the thing’s waist and deftly untied it and opened it up. Inside was a scroll that Lathwen unwound and looked at. The ink looked suspiciously like blood, and the smell confirmed that it was. Lathwen almost vomited, and she quickly put the letter away. She couldn’t read what it said anyway.

She began her long trudge back up the hill and noted that her lack of knowledge was lamentable. She’d have to learn a few languages once she got the chance. Lathwen sighed, there were lots of things she would have to do once she got the chance. *If* she got the chance that is.

Lathwen got to the top of the hill and knew instantly that something was wrong. Rosethorn was rearing and neighing like her life depended on it. Lathwen slowly walked toward her, speaking softly and trying to calm her. Rosethorn eventually stopped acting up long enough for Lathwen to saddle and mount her. Obviously this place wasn’t just getting to her.

Lathwen asked Rosethorn to gallop farther before they would rest for the time being. “ Just until we get out of here Rosethorn m’girl…then I promise we will rest for a good long hour.” Lathwen knew from the sun’s position that it was most likely eight o’ clock in the morning. She wondered what her uncle was doing back home. Probably interrogating or telling off some poor soul. She dismissed this thought, stubbornly refusing to think of her uncle.

***
“ This is just ridiculous.” Lathwen said out loud to herself and tired Rosethorn who still hadn’t gotten that promised hour’s rest. “ Absolutely ridiculous! How can there be no sign of any living thing for miles and miles and miles?!” Receiving no answer, (but then again she hadn’t been expecting one) Lathwen growled in frustration, “ Aarrggg!” With a sigh, Lathwen made Rosethorn trot rather than walk like they had been doing for a few miles.

A sparkling river came into view, and Lathwen rushed towards it. It foamed and bubbled violently for a moment, but then calmed. Lathwen dismounted and filled the waterskin to the top.

Kneeling down, Lathwen cupped her hands and dipped them into the clear water. She washed her hands first, then brought them to her lips and drank the cool, clean water. It soothed her parched and sore throat like nothing else. She wiped her mouth and rested on the ground until Rosethorn had drunk her fill.

“ Well m’girl, I do believe that we are in desperate need of a map…and more food.” Lathwen said to Rosethorn who just snorted. With a crooked smile, Lathwen mounted up on Rosethorn and crossed the river.

Lathwen looked around and noticed that there were pines and oaks all around. It looked and smelled beautiful and peaceful here. A twig snapped beneath Rosethorn’s hoof as she stopped completely, causing Lathwen’s head to jerk up. Her eyes grew wide and she instantly reached for her bow, placing an arrow on the string. “ Just what I needed.” She thought to herself as she slowly raised the bow to point at a cloaked stranger in front of her.

The figure pushed back its gray hood and held up his hands as a sign of peace. Lathwen lowered her bow and assessed this stranger. It was a man, with shoulder length brown hair and eyes the color of honey. He wore a sword at his waist, and was riding a brown stallion. “ Who are you?” Lathwen asked sharply. The man lowered his hands and answered, “ Eothain. And your name...?”
“ Call me…call me Alanessa.” She wouldn't trust him with her real name just yet. “ That is not your real name.” Eothain said. Lathwen answered, “ It is now.”

The man’s eyes narrowed but he let the subject drop. “ Where are you going?” He asked. “ Gondor.” Lathwen replied. The man’s eyebrows shot up and he said, “ You’re quite a long way off. You’re going the wrong way to.” Lathwen’s shoulders sagged in disappointment, “ I don’t have a map.” She suddenly brightened and asked, “ Do you have a spare one?” Eothain nodded in a somewhat bemused way and he reached into his saddlebag and drew out a folded piece of parchment, slightly worn from age. Lathwen thanked him and took the map, unfolding it.

She had been taught to read by her mother long ago, and she found this map easy to read. She cried out in dismay when she saw how far she still had to go. Eothain saw the disappointment and said, “ You can keep the map, Alanessa. Why don’t you go to Imladris where you can rest for a while?”

Lathwen looked suspiciously at Eothain and asked, “ Imladris?” Eothain nodded and pointed behind him with a gloved hand, “ I’ve just come from there. Quite sophisticated people, elves.” Lathwen’s heart sped up and she choked out, “ Elves?!” Eothain gave Lathwen a strange look and said, “ Yes, Alanessa…elves. Surely you’ve seen them before?”

Lathwen ignored his question and asked, “ How far to Imladris?” “ Half mile at the most.” Eothain answered. Lathwen bit her lip…she didn’t need any delays...but then again, she needed all of the help she could get. “ Fine. Thank you, Eothain. You’ve been such help! I promise to repay you someday!” With that, she cantered past him and around the bend.

Eothain shouted, “ Do you want me to come with you?” But there was only silence in reply. He shrugged and forged the river, starting towards the Shire where he had business to attend to.

***
A mile later, he met with a stranger in a cloak that made him seem invisible when he was in the shadows. “ A girl on a white horse with a red mane…she had a bow and wore a dress…have you seen her?” The man’s face couldn’t be seen clearly, but his voice was so…so…he couldn’t describe it, but Eothain couldn’t help but trust the man, despite his better judgment.

“ Alanessa? Yes, she’s…” But before he could finish his sentence, the man was off, shouting a thank you, his mount speeding down the road like lightning. Eothain just stared after him for a while, and then shook his head in puzzlement. What a strange way to begin the day…even strange for a ranger.


Chapter 5 - A Surprise for Imladris

Disclaimer; I have never owned Tolkien’s characters, but I’m still hoping…oh what the heck? I'll never own it, and owning Lillian, Lathwen, and Eothain is enough...right? Right!

When Eothain had mentioned elves, Lathwen nearly fell out of her saddle. THEY existed to?! She should have known…after all the strange things she had seen so far, she should have realized that there would be more strange things for her to see.

As she cantered down the road, she wondered how the elves would receive her. Would they be hostile? Were they only welcoming men? Would they welcome a strange woman with a bow and a stolen horse?

For she knew that if the stories were true, the elves would know her very soul…they would know all of the things she did. But elves weren’t perfect either…were they? They couldn’t be! There had to be some among them who got into mischief once upon a time…right?

Lathwen sighed and looked around to take her mind off of these things. It was quite beautiful here…the morning sun casting shadows and its beams dancing among the tree’s branches and the grass blades. The wind smelled sweet, and it was no longer as cold. Lathwen sighed; these had been her mother’s favorite days, when nature seemed welcoming and perfect.

Her mother had always sung on days like these, and it was always the same song. In the morning and evening, she’d sing the same song while Lathwen would sit on her lap and listen. But her mother was dead, and she wouldn’t sing anymore. Lathwen thought about those times, and decided that she would be like her mother…she would sing to.

“Tis the last rose of summer, left blooming alone. All her lovely companions are faded and gone. No flower of her kindred, no rosebud is nigh, to reflect back her blushes, or give sigh for sigh.” She paused to start the next verse, but someone else had beaten her to it.

A lovely female voice began to sing the next verse for her. “I’ll not leave thee thou lone one, to pine on the stem…” Lathwen paled, who was that?! She looked around frantically but could see no one among the many pine and fir trees. The female continued, “…Thus kindly I scatter, thy leaves o’er the bed. Where thy mates of the garden, lie scentless and dead.”

There was silence, as if the voice was waiting for her to finish the song. Lathwen slowed her horse to a walk and sang in a soft, timid voice, “ So soon may I follow, when friendships decay. And from love’s shining circle, the gems drop away.”

There was fair laughter coming from a clearing ahead, and Lathwen grew rigid with apprehension. Putting on a calm mask, she urged Rosethorn to a trot, and almost fainted when she came into the clearing.

At least twenty men and women were there, chatting pleasantly. They were dressed in soft pastel colors, and they all had dark, hair and grey eyes…like her own. Lathwen could have been mistaken as one of them, if she had pointed ears. Pointed ears?! They all had pointed ears! Looking closely, Lathwen could see that they looked young, but their eyes were ancient, haunted with the past.

When she came into the clearing, they all stopped talking at once and there was silence while they stared at her. Lathwen shifted uncomfortably under their gaze. She felt pierced by their glances, it felt like she was naked and they were pouring over her with a seeing glass.

It all lasted about two seconds, for an elf in a silver tunic stepped forward and said, “ Welcome, Lathwen Alanessa…we’ve been waiting for you since dawn…what took you?”

Lathwen was startled to say the least, for they knew her name (her real one and her assumed name) and they probably knew her business to. “ I’m sorry to intrude, but I wish to speak with your lord.” She said almost immediately, trying not to show that she was shocked. Would they let her see their lord? Who was their lord? Would he see her, or throw her out among the dogs?

The elf in the silver tunic glanced at the others who started talking among themselves again. Lathwen strained her ears, but still couldn’t understand their musical tongue. He nodded pleasantly at Lathwen and answered, “ Lord Elrond is very kind my lady, you have nothing to fear by him.” He walked over to Rosethorn and whispered something in her ear. In reply, she whinnied softly and then snorted while the elf laughed. “ A fine mare you have, Lathwen Alanessa. Where is she from?”
“ She’s from Bree, my lord…and please, call me Lathwen.”

The elf fixed his unnerving gaze on her again, “ From Bree you say? Tell me, is she from anywhere near Lord Adrian’s tavern and home?” Lathwen paled visibly…Adrian was her uncle’s name! How did they know about this? Did they know about her?!

Fighting to keep calm, Lathwen answered smoothly, “ She comes from a barn down a few roads from…Adrian’s…home.” There was silence until Lathwen muttered, “ I’d hardly call him a lord.” The elf smiled slightly and answered, “ And many would agree with you. Tell me, do you have any relation with Adrian?”

Lathwen replied venomously, “ None! None at all, and thank god for that! If I had any relation with him I’d die of shame!” Lathwen knew it was something of a lie and that the elves probably knew the story of her life…but in a way, it was truth. In that moment, Lathwen had severed the ties that bound her to her uncle. She no longer considered him her kin.

The elf frowned, but said, “ Come Lady Lathwen, it is time you meet Lord Elrond. We’ve kept him waiting long enough.” Lathwen dismounted and cringed as she walked stiffly behind the elf, leading Rosethorn by the bridle. They came to a bridge that crossed over another river, and they had to cross in single file or else be pushed overboard.

In the middle of the bridge, Lathwen began to feel queasy and light-headed. Lack of food and sleep had taken its toll on her. She involuntarily dropped Rosethorn’s reigns and fell to her knees. She dimly heard the elf ask in concern, “ Lady Lathwen! Are you well?” Suddenly her vision became blurry and she saw nothing more but darkness as she fell to the ground unconscious.

***
Lathwen struggled to consciousness, not moving a muscle. She was on a bed somewhere; she could feel the soft sheets underneath her hands. The air smelled like lavender…and she could hear someone speaking. Two someone’s…and they were right near her bedside, talking about…what?

“ Are you actually suggesting that we *help* that evil man, Erestor?”

“ No! Not at all my lord! But if that is where she comes from, she’d best go back. It is not safe for a woman to be out in these parts traveling alone.”

“ She seems to have done fine these past few days, or however long she’s been traveling…I am sure she can handle herself if she has managed to get here.” A voice said dryly.

A different voice spoke up, that of the elf in the silver tunic, “ But she said she had no relation with him Lord Erestor.”
“ Are you sure?”
“ Yes.”

One of the elves, Erestor, sighed heavily and said, “ We will trust her then. We have no other choice it seems.” The voice that first spoke said, “ And what would a woman be doing with a bow, all alone, traveling from Weathertop’s general direction?”
“ Running away from something…”
“ Or someone…”
“ You are right Lord Erestor, it could be someone…she could be exiled from someplace and has nowhere else to go…” Lathwen couldn’t help but snort at that suggestion.

There was silence from the elves until Erestor said, “ I think we can cross that one off of the list. Open your eyes maiden, why don’t you tell us yourself since you’re awake?”

Lathwen opened her eyes at sat up, looking around. She was in a very ornate bed, and still in her dress…the room was overlooking a river, as she could see from looking out of the window. The window was large, covered in gossamer curtains.

Finally, Lathwen looked at the elves. There was the elf that had led her over the bridge, and there were two others. One was wearing crimson tunic, his long black hair braided on the side. The other had a stately look about him, and instead of braids, his hair was in…twists at the side?

The elf in crimson spoke, and Lathwen recognized the voice…he was Erestor. “ At last you wake Lady Lathwen.” That scared her a bit…at last? “ How long have I been asleep?” She asked politely. “ Five days.” He answered. Lathwen’s eyes widened…five days?! She tried to get out of bed, but Erestor held out a hand and said, “ Stop…lie down a bit, you shouldn’t exert yourself.”

She frowned as she looked at the other two, “ I’m sorry my lords, I didn’t catch your names.” The two briefly looked at each other with slight smiles on their faces. The one in the silver tunic bowed slightly and said, “ My name is Beinion, my lady.” Lathwen nodded and said, “ Please, call me Lathwen. I find I don’t much like being called ‘ my lady’. Just ‘Lathwen’ sounds much more natural.”

Beinion’s eyes twinkled as he said, “ Of course Lathwen.” The other elf stepped forward and said, “ Pleased to meet you Lathwen. My name is Elrond.” Lathwen’s eyes widened and she made a move to get out of the bed again, but Elrond touched her shoulder and gently pushed her down.

“ You must stay in the bed Lathwen. You heard Erestor.” Lathwen answered, “ I’m sorry Lord Elrond, but I fail to see how standing up can be exerting myself. I feel fine! Honestly!” The other elves looked at each other. “ If you’ll pardon my frankness.” Lathwen said hurriedly.

The elves smiled and Lord Elrond said, “ Not at all Lathwen…I suppose if you feel up to it you may…” But Lathwen was already standing up, “ Thank you my lord.” She said calmly. Beinion took hold of the situation and asked Lathwen, “ What brings you to Imladris? Why did you want to see Lord Elrond.” Erestor snorted in a very undignified way and said, “ Honestly Beinion, she just woke up! How do you—”

Lathwen laughed and said, “ Oh no! It’s fine! Honest.” She turned to Beinion and said, “ I am running out of provisions…since this was the closest place to stop, I came here to ask if I could buy some.” Lord Elrond cocked an eyebrow, “ Buy some? Lathwen, here you may take some without having to pay.” Lathwen was somewhat startled with this piece of information. “ You mean...? Oh my, this is not like other places.” Erestor smiled amusedly, “ No, it is not.”

Lathwen suddenly thought about her horse. “ Rosethorn!” She exclaimed, “ Is she all right? Where is she?” Beinion answered, “ Your mare? She’s in the stables.” Lathwen sighed quietly; she’d grown very attached to that horse. Beinion continued, “ If you don’t mind me asking…will you tell us why you’re traveling.”

Lathwen’s face grew dark with anger, “ To find something that was stolen from me.” Erestor said gently, “ Could you be more specific.” Lathwen shook her head and said firmly, “ To find something that belongs to me.” She would say no more on that subject.

She remembered that the stories told of them always said that elves were very knowledgeable. Why didn’t they know about what they were asking?

It must have shown on her face to because Lord Elrond said, “ We know much Lathwen, but most of us cannot read minds.” Erestor snorted again, “ Coming from the elf in Imladris most famous for being able to guess others thoughts and feelings.” Lathwen’s eyebrows shot up, “ *Most* of us?” Elrond nodded, “ Some of us.” Another piece of information that Lathwen had no idea about.

“ Where do you hail from, Lathwen?” Erestor asked suddenly. Lathwen shrugged, “ West of here. It’s a long way off.” She said vaguely. When Erestor opened his mouth again, Lathwen cut in, “ And no, I will not be more specific.”
“ Don’t you trust us?”
“ Some things are better left unsaid.”

Lord Elrond nodded, “ Wise words from one so young.” Lathwen answered, “ I’m not young! I’m old enough to marry and have a family.” Elrond said, “ To us, you are very young.” Erestor muttered, “ Then again, to any immortal you’d be young.”

Lathwen sat down on the edge of the bed and said weakly, “ You’re *immortal*?” Elrond and Erestor nodded, but Beinion looked amused. Lathwen felt another pang of annoyance at her ignorance.

“ Where are your parents?” Beinion asked gently. Lathwen looked away and said in a harsh voice, “ They’re dead.” Beinion felt pity. Mortal life always resulted in mortal dead. It was the will of the Valar.

“ I am sorry. I did not mean to bring up such a painful subject.” Lathwen sighed, “ It’s fine.” They sat in a silence for about two seconds before Erestor asked, “ Tell me, do you know how to use that bow of yours?” Lathwen nodded hesitantly, “ I shot one of those…goblins near Weathertop. Would that be considered knowing how to use it?”

Erestor and Beinion gasped, “ Orcs? Near Weathertop?” Erestor frowned. Beinion muttered, “ Strange. Very strange.” Lord Elrond shot a look at the other two and said calmly, “ Yes Lathwen, you know how to use it.”

The sound of screaming and the door being flung open interrupted them. Lathwen watched in horror as a girl was thrown (literally) inside of the room and a tall thin man with a stormy face followed. He bellowed, “ My Lord Elrond…as a guest I must insist that you keep your servants idle chatter from reaching the ears of *my* servant! It’s causing her to be rebellious and stubborn!”

Lord Elrond took this all quiet well, considering that the man was inches away from him. “ I assure you, I cannot control what my servants say…I am not their master in that respect.” The man sputtered angrily, and Lathwen slipped behind him, kneeling beside the shaking girl.

She gently stroked the girl’s hair and said, “ Shh…all will be well.” She continued to comfort the frightened girl as she lay facedown on the floor. After a moment, Lathwen suggested tenderly, “ Why don’t you sit up?” The girl nodded and trembled slightly as she got up from the ground and into a sitting position.

The man with the arrogant face whirled around and said, “ You! Don’t you tell her what to do! She answers to me, and me only!”

Lathwen’s temper snapped, she was used to seeing abuse, seeing as she was abused herself, but she wouldn’t stand for any kind of abuse to anyone any longer.

She shouted, “ I can hardly see why! How DARE you treat her like this?! From where I’m kneeling, I can see all of the bruises and scars she has from your treatment! What have you done to her you wicked man?!”

The girl said bitterly, “ He beats me and whips me like a dog. What’s worse is that I’m his daughter!” Lathwen’s face paled and she stood up and marched over to the arrogant man who was now looking quite shocked.

She pointed to the door and roared, “ GET OUT *NOW*!”

Perhaps it was a mix of shock from seeing this girl furiously ordering him out like she owned the place, or his daughter trembling on the floor after spilling out the long kept secret. Either way, he took one look at Lord Elrond’s angry face and fled out of the door and down the hallway.

Lathwen slammed the door shut and walked over to the man’s daughter and held out a hand. The girl took it and stood up. “ What’s your name?” She asked gently. The girl no longer trembled and she said in a steady voice, “ Lillian. My friend’s call me Lily.”


Chapter 6 - Leaving Comfort...and Good Riddance!

Disclaimer; I own nothing other than Eothain, Lillian, and of course, Lathwen.

Lillian insisted upon being called Lily by everyone in the room. Of course, Lathwen had introduced herself and the others had introduced themselves as well, asking if Lily had been harmed when she landed on the floor. She said she hadn’t been, but Lathwen wasn’t so sure.

Lily had almond shaped green eyes and sun bronzed skin. Her hair was blonde and curly, its ringlets flowing down to her shoulders. She was in a ragged dress, white and red checkered, and a white apron. She was the same age as Lathwen and had the same confident air, but she was more sociable.

“ Of all the discourteous things…” Erestor said with a shake of his head as soon as the man had left. Lathwen had helped Lily to the bed. The two girls’ sat down next to each other and soon were engaged in discussion while the elves listened. Well really, Lathwen was asking Lily about herself…

“ Has he always treated you like this?”
“ Yes, ever since mother died.”
“ I lost both of my parents a few years back to.”
“ I’m sorry, Lathwen.”
“ Why? There’s nothing to be sorry about! Fate strikes wherever it will.”
“ True, but my mother’s dead was no accident. My father killed her.”
“ Dear me! And you didn’t tell anyone?!”
“ No one wanted to mess with him…he’s an ill-mannered bully with a selfish demeanor.”
“ So I saw.”

Listening to Lily, Lathwen found that they had the same sense of humor. Lily told them that her father was visiting Imladris because he had heard of some merchants here…but it ended up a rumor. He was planning to leave in a week. Lily had snorted after this, “ Like it takes that long to pack. He’s hoping to snitch something more like.”

Lathwen frowned and said, “ But Lily, you aren’t going with him…are you?” Lily shook her head vigorously and replied, “ I’d rather be boiled in hot oil than go anywhere else with that self-centered bastard.”

Lathwen raised her eyebrows at Lily’s language. Lily blushed red to the roots of her fair hair and said, “ I’m sorry everyone…but I’ve lived with my father so long that I don’t think what comes out of my mouth because he says the same things so often to me.” Lord Elrond broke in at that moment and said, “ Your apology is accepted Lily…but try to curb that tongue of yours…it could get you into trouble here.” Lily nodded, still blushing. Lord Elrond continued, “ You are welcome to stay here as long as you like Lily.”

Lathwen had been thinking…she would really love to have human company, and it would be good to have a partner to cover your back in battle…and she was establishing a friendship with Lily…they’d become fast friends she guessed. “ Or you could come with me as an equal...you wouldn’t be enslaved or anything of that sort.” Lathwen said suddenly to everyone’s astonishment.

Lathwen blinked and asked, “ What? I’d like to have some company…that is, as long as you want to go Lily.” Lily’s eyes had widened at Lathwen’s pronouncement, “ Really?! You mean it! Where are you going?”

The three elves looked at her and Erestor said, “ Yes, where are you going? That’s one thing none of us know.” Lathwen shrugged; there was no harm in telling them. “ Gondor. Of course, I don’t plan to stay very long…and I don’t know what I’ll do after that. I hope you like a life of adventure and wandering Lily, because if you come with me, there will be plenty in supply.”

Lily grinned broadly and her whole face beamed with a content light. “ Yes! I’ve always wanted to see other places…you truly won’t mind Lathwen?” Lathwen grinned right back and said, “ Absolutely not!” Lord Elrond nodded and said, “ Then you’ll go with Lathwen, Lily…whenever you two want to go.”

Lily looked at Lathwen with upraised eyebrows. Lathwen sighed and said, “ I do want to get moving as soon as able…and I didn’t mean to stay for five whole days…I think I should go today if possible. What do you think Lily?”

Lily shrugged and said, “ Personally, I’d like to get away from my father very soon. I’d say it’s a good plan.” Lathwen slapped her forehead, “ Your father! We need to tell him. He won’t mind, will he?” Lily shook her head and said softly, “ He’ll be glad to have me out of his way.”

Lathwen felt an inkling of pity, but hid it, knowing that Lily probably wouldn’t appreciate it. “ Really? Well then, he’ll find he’s missing something instead.” Lily smiled and got up, “ Thank you all very much. You have no idea how grateful I am!”

Lathwen stood up and said, “ You’re very welcome Lily. After you tell your father where you’re going, why don’t you pack and…wait one minute!” Lathwen turned to face Lord Elrond and asked, “ My lord, is it possible that we could borrow a tunic? Preferably one that is green with brown leggings…we’ll be going through many forests.” Lord Elrond smiled at her and said, “ I’ll see what I can find.”

***
Lily met Lathwen outside of Imladris on the bridge where Lathwen had fainted. Lord Elrond had provided them both with tunics, food, water, and a better map than the one Eothain had given her. “ Eothain is used to traveling,” Lord Elrond had told her, “ Therefore he doesn’t need a very detailed map.”

Lily’s silky green shirt would be little protection against wind and rain Lathwen realized, so Lily was also provided with a gray cloak. Since Rosethorn couldn’t carry two people, plus supplies, Lily was also given a bow (Lathwen had promised to teach Lily how to use a bow as soon as possible due to the fact that there would be many more dangers to face) and a beautiful brown horse with a black mane named Uruitiel…a female name meaning “fiery” in the elves speech.

Lily had asked why she was named that, and the elven stable master answered, “ Because she has a stubborn disposition, but is swift as the wind. Judging from what I’ve heard, I think you will be able to handle her Lady Lily.” At this Lily had blushed and thanked the stable master.

Later she muttered to Lathwen, “ I’m just going to call her Firefoot or something like that…I can’t remember these elvish names!” Lathwen shrugged and whispered back, “ Back where I come from, I saw a horse like that and her name was ‘Wildfire’ because she was fast to. Why don’t you call her ‘Wildfire’ if you can’t remember the her real name?” Lily grinned and agreed, saying that Wildfire was a wonderful name for a horse like that.

So now Lily and Lathwen were in the clearing in their tunics, wearing their cloaks, their weapons strapped onto their backs and their saddlebags full. Lord Elrond, Erestor, Beinion, and others they didn’t know were there to see them off.

Lord Elrond stepped forward and said, “ We wish you a safe journey, and good luck finding your possession Lathwen. Imladris will always welcome you, as will I.” Lathwen smiled and answered, “ Thank you, my lords, for being so kind to Lily and I…we are forever in your debt. If there is anything we can do for you, do not hesitate to ask. Farewell for now.” Lily added, “ Goodbye my lords, and don’t forget to keep my father in line.” Beinion smiled, “ We won’t. Farwell!”

Taking one last look at Imladris, Lathwen and Lily called one more goodbye before cantering out of the clearing and onto the path leading to the river.

***
The two girls’ had just crossed over the river with no trouble at all. They hadn’t seen anyone for a while now. Once over the river, Lily heaved a sigh and continued to ride beside Lathwen, their horses at a walk. “ Well,” She began, “ We’ve just left a very comfortable place…but I say good riddance to it all…most of all my father.” Lathwen snorted and replied, “ I’m not so elated about leaving all of the luxuries…but I suppose we have to get used to it, seeing as it will be a very long journey.”

They continued in silence until Lathwen reigned in Rosethorn, pulling out the map and inspecting it. She sighed and put the map away, “ Looks like we have to go left.” Lathwen said and turned Rosethorn to the left towards some more trees. Lily shrugged and followed.

After a few moments of silence, Lily said, “ I’ve been thinking…you should start a group or something to help women in desperate situations.” Lathwen looked at her friend with upraised eyebrows, “ Eh?” Lily continued, “ I don’t mean to be blunt, but there’s many more girls and women who are abused by husbands, or brothers, or fathers. You could help them.”

Lathwen let out a short bark of laughter, “ Yeah…because there’s so many maiden’s waiting to be rescued here.” She spread her arms wide, taking in the whole area around them.

Lily’s tone became earnest, “ I’m perfectly serious Lathwen! You could help them! Think of all the girls’ being hit or whipped, and the women being raped and killed…think about it Lathwen! You could help them like you’ve helped me! There’s bound to be more in Gondor, or Rohan, or maybe even in the places where elves live! You could start something to help them!”

Lathwen sighed and bit her lip, “ Lily, I haven’t told anyone else this…so you mustn’t tell anyone either. Not a soul!” Lily promised.

Lathwen began, “ I come from Bree…and I was a servant in a tavern under my uncle’s care. He beat me and whipped me like your father did to you.” Lily gasped, looking horrified.

“ Lily, it’s a kind idea, but there are so many women out there, so many like us…how would I reach them all? I can’t possibly search out one person at a time! Besides, I need to go to Gondor before my uncle gets a warning to the person who has my belongings!”

Lily ignored the last part of the sentence and said, “ You won’t have to Lathwen! We could shout it out in the village squares, convince independent women to follow you, maybe not just those being abused…maybe women who feel like they’re trapped or caged…think of all the good you could do for them!” Lathwen was silent and Lily continued, “ After a while, word would spread and women would be flocking to you! They—”

Lathwen held up a hand and interrupted Lily, “ And I would be doing this why?” Lily rolled her eyes, “ To help others! To help those who need it whether it be peasants like us, or kings! Lathwen, surely you see that a group of trained women could do for those who are in need? If a village is being attacked, if people are being stolen from, or killed…we could help!”

Lathwen asked, “ Why did this idea come to mind?” Lily looked uncomfortable and answered, “ Because…it would be a good way to make up for all of the horrible things my father has done…or your uncle or the evil things everyone else has done. We could compensate for all of the evil things here.” Lathwen said, “ Yes, Lily…it’s a good idea, but—”
“ But what? We need something to do with our lives once we finish your business in Gondor…why not this?”

Lathwen struggled for an answer, but finally gave up and said, “ I suppose you’re right…that does sound like it could work…but we’d need to figure out all of the details Lily. And what if women don’t want to follow or help us?”
“ Us? You mean you.”
“ No…you came up with the plan, so you’ll be helping. You’ll be the other leader.”
“ What? No! Second in command.”
“ Fine. Now answer my question.”

Lily sighed and said, “ Believe me Lathwen, women will want to follow you. Unfortunately, there are many more out there that are in situations like ours.”

Lathwen and Lily had come to a clearing in the woods…a meadow.

Authors Note: Betcha wondering how her horse can take all of this, huh? (Thank you Callisto) There is a reason...but I can't tell right now. Oh, and Wildfire is obviously elf-bred so she has more stamina and energy than Rosethorn. Some new characters are going to come into the story soon...very soon...


Chapter 7 - The Chase

Disclaimer; I don’t own anything that is even remotely related to Tolkien…except for this story and my characters maybe…

Lily sighed in relief and trotted toward the meadow saying, “ Finally! I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday.” Lathwen frowned, scanning the meadow with her keen eyes, “ Wait Lily!” She said sharply. Her friend stopped and looked back at her with a frown. “ What? It’s not like there are any assassins out here! It’s near Imladris for pities sake!”

Lathwen trotted up toward Lily and said, “ Believe me, there are things worse than assassins…I had the pleasure of meeting one near Weathertop.” Lily arched an eyebrow, “ What exactly are these…things?” Lathwen winced slightly as she shifted in her saddle. Her thighs and calves were already burning. “ Orcs.” She said darkly.
“ WHAT?! THOSE THINGS ACTUALLY EXIST?!”

Lathwen put a hand over Lily’s mouth, “ Yes they exist!” She hissed, “ But *we* will cease to if you don’t stop shouting! You don’t know what could be out here!” She carefully took her hand away and Lily said in a much quieter voice, “ Looks like I’ll need to learn to use my bow sooner than I thought.” Lathwen gave her friend a wry look before stepping further into the meadow.

There was a gasp from Lily. Lathwen turned in her saddle to face her, “ What? There’s nothing to worry about. I don’t see any of your assassins here!” She said. Lily asked nervously, “ So you mean…that guy over there isn’t a friend of yours?” She pointed to the far side of the meadow. Lathwen looked over.

A gray-cloaked man was sitting astride a black horse. Rosethorn took a step backwards.

“ He’s probably just a friend of the elves’.” Lathwen said dismissively, “ Nothing to worry about.” Lily snorted and said, “ So you mean that deadly arrow he’s pointing us is a ‘welcome’ sign? I don’t think so!” Lathwen gasped as the man raised his bow. “ RUN!” She shouted and wheeled Rosethorn sharply.

Lily turned Wildfire around and began galloping for her life out of the meadow with Lathwen at her side. “ Wait, aren’t we going the wrong way?” She shouted. Lathwen answered with a nervous giggle, “ Yeah, we are! But I’d rather take a little detour than be killed!” “ Good point.” Lily said back as they circled around the meadow instead of going right through it.

Lathwen could see the terror written all across Lily’s face; and her own heart was beating like a drum. She looked around as best she could through the blur of trees, and saw that they were at the back of the meadow already. “ Slow!” Lathwen called to Lily, who nodded to show that she understood. Both girls’ reigned in their mounts and stopped to take a breath.

“ So tell me,” Lily asked, “ Why exactly are we running *towards* this man?”
“ He’s gone already.”
“ How do you know?”
“ Well for one thing, I don’t hear any footsteps or horse hooves or twigs cracking or arrows being drawn or—”
“ Good. So which way to we go now?”

Lathwen sighed and said, “ Nowhere. The horses are exhausted…or Rosethorn is at least…five days of rest after galloping for maybe four isn’t a lot. I’ve been careless.” Lily slid from her saddle and winced as her feet hit the ground, “ How do you *stand* it?” She asked, “ My legs are killing me! So is my back come to that.”

Lathwen shrugged and dismounted also. “ Well, for the first few days I was to tired or hungry or frightened to think about the pain.” Lily walked stiffly for a few steps and then collapsed underneath an oak tree.

“ I’m not sure I’m liking the whole ‘pain’ part of adventure.” She said. Lathwen laughed and got out bread and cheese from the saddlebags. “ I’m not to fond of it either.” She said. She gave Lily her share and unsaddled the horses, tying their reins to a branch. Only then did she plop down with a groan and eat with Lily while the horses munched on grass.

Lathwen finished eating before Lily. She sat there for a moment, taking in the beauty surrounding them. “ So, my second in command…I have some questions about this brilliant idea of yours. Will the men and women we recruit be nomads…or will we live somewhere? And how will we provide for ourselves?” Lily answered, “ Actually, I was thinking we recruit only women…men have enough armies and whatnot, but us women have nothing. Maybe this could be the women’s chance for escape…we could prove men wrong on many accounts.” Lathwen nodded slowly, “ Okay, but my other question?”

“ Simple. We have many options you know…we could work as mercenaries, but pride might get in the way of some women…we could farm and then sell the crops. We could get paying jobs without anyone knowing that we were part of your band of women…but then again, news travels fast…”
“ Or we could do a mixture of those things.”
“ True. And what would you want your band to be called?”
“ *Our* band…it was your idea…if it even works. As for a name…I haven’t thought about that.”

Lily said, “ Well, we’d sort of be a female revolution…why not choose a name that would really burn the men’s pride?” Lathwen shrugged and stretched, “ Like what?” “ I don’t know…”
“ Do we really *need* a name?”
“ No. You’re right, after all, actions speak louder than words?”

Lathwen yawned and stood up, brushing the leaves from her cloak. Lily stood to and popped the last bite of bread in her mouth. “ Shall we get going?” She asked. Lathwen nodded, “ We should. But I feel bad for the horses…they haven’t had a lot of rest…”
“ So lets walk…we’ll lead them.”

Lathwen agreed and untied the horse’s reigns, saddling Rosethorn as Lily saddled Wildfire. Taking her map from the saddlebag, Lathwen examined it and said, “ We’re near a river called ‘Hoarwell’…we’ll stop there for water. Then I think we’ll follow it ‘till it splits up once, then keep going until it splits again, then we’ll follow the left half and ride between Lorien and Fangorn if circumstances allow. We’ll keep close to the Fangorn’s border, and from then on we should have a clear path to Rohan.”

Lily nodded, “ Good. When we stop for water, you’re going to start teaching me to shoot.” Lathwen grinned, “ Fine with me.”

***
Lathwen and Lily had stopped at Hoarwell to get a drink and rest the horses. This time they stopped for a good hour and a half while Lily struggled to use her bow. Like Lathwen, Lily needed practice.

After that hour and a half, the girls’ walked leisurely down the bank of the river until they came to the first split in the River Hoarwell. It was midnight when they reached the first split, but Lathwen felt that they had done very well time wise. Lathwen and Lily stopped there for the night. They gathered branches and made a small fire, huddling near it for warmth while the Rosethorn lay down to sleep. Wildfire stayed upright.

Lily idly threw a twig into the fire, causing it to crackle. “ Question…once the women join, will you allow them to go back to their families or have husbands and children? Or will you make them stay?”

Lathwen looked appalled and said, “ Of course I’d allow them to go back at any time! I’d never keep them from their families and children! They can go and come as they please, so long as someone tells me beforehand, and as long as no man sees where we are.” Lily yawned and threw another twig into the fire.

Something howled in the distance, causing shivers to run up Lathwen’s spine. She looked to her right and saw the Misty Mountains looming at her side. A low birdcall sounded through the darkness.

“ That doesn’t sound like a bird…” Lily said uneasily. Lathwen snorted, “ Sure it does. We’re just tired and still somewhat scared from that man in the cloak event…why don’t you go to sleep Lily? I’ll watch for four hours and you watch for the other four.” Lily said, “ But what kind of bird would be out at this time of night?” Lathwen shrugged and stood, “ Get some rest Lily…we’ve got a long way to go tomorrow.”

Lathwen stood watch, an arrow on her bowstring, looking around frequently at any noise she heard. Once in a while she could wander in a circle around the fire just to keep herself awake. She would start to sing a random song quietly, so as not to wake Lily, but then she would trail off and stop. The four hours passed slowly for Lathwen who was quite bored. She sighed in relief when her four hours were up, and shook Lily awake.

Lathwen fell asleep to the sound of the wind blowing the grass, causing a soothing rustling noise to be heard.

***
Lathwen yawned and rolled over. The start of a new day…thank the Valar! She opened her eyes and instantly wondered what had woken her. Wait…Lily was supposed to have woken her…where was Lily? Lathwen bolted upright and saw that both of the horses were still there, but wide-awake. She looked around and saw that Lily was nowhere to be seen; everything except her bow was still there.

Without a thought for her own safety, Lathwen shouted, “ LILY! LILY WHERE ARE YOU?!” She picked up her bow and strung an arrow, heading toward the opposite side of the bank where a small forest stood. “ THIS ISN’T FUNNY LILY!”

Lathwen’s heart started racing. Where was Lily? Had she gone off on her own? Had she been captured? Was she dead? Where in Arda was that girl?! “ LILY!!!!!”

Lathwen was panicky…her pulse quickened, her palms got all sweaty, and she felt like her lungs had constricted into tight knots. She tried calming herself with deep breaths. “ Okay Lathwen...calm down. Look around to see if you can find any clues as to which way she went.”

She quickly searched the ground, coming closer and closer to the riverbank. She stopped suddenly as she saw one pair of footprints on the muddy ground. “ Lily’s.” Lathwen said out loud. But then she stopped, and thought. Could there possibly be more people…like the people who took her, if she was taken that is? If she was taken, where are the other’s footprints? Are there any creatures out there who make no footprints at all?

Lathwen shivered…it was somewhat frightening to think about. She took her arrow from the bowstring and placed it back in the quiver. Bracing herself, Lathwen plunged into the river. Though the air and weather was warm, it had done nothing to heat the water. Lathwen held her bow above the water as she waded across…that part of the river was particularly shallow. Thankfully.

Lathwen cursed as she twisted her ankle on a large stone on the river bottom. Biting her lip, she waded across the rest of the way and wrung out her clothing.

With a sigh, Lathwen straightened and walked as quietly as possible into the woods. She walked for at least ten minutes before she noticed that the air was getting less and less musty as she traveled further into the forest. She looked up and saw that she could see more patches of sky.

Lathwen looked back at the ground and saw that she had stumbled into a very small clearing. She let out a gasp as she saw Lily tied to a tree at the far side, gagged and all. She ran towards her friend whose eyes had grown wide. Lathwen reached Lily and pulled off her gag. “ Lily! What—”
“ Don’t! Lathwen, this is a trap!”
“ What?”

Lily nodded emphatically and said, “ They captured me and brought me here during the night because they were sure that you would try and follow…they saw us journeying by the river…I think they may want to capture you to! They want to kill us Lathwen!”

“ Close, but not quite.” Said a cool melodious voice from behind them. Lathwen’s grip on her bow tightened, and she drew an arrow from her quiver and placing it on the bowstring, turning around.

Lathwen’s eyes widened at the sight of them. A group of ten elves maybe, each and every one with dark hair, except for the one who had spoken. His golden hair shimmered in the sunlight. Lathwen noted his muscles, saw his longbow, and his armor, and immediately knew that he was a trained warrior. She had no chance.

The elves circled around them, drawing closer. Lathwen spoke up collectedly, “ What do you want from us?” The golden haired elf spoke…he was obviously the leader. “ Information. Why are two women traveling here? Alone, unprotected by men or other warriors.”

Lathwen’s eyes flashed, “ Ah. Another hypocrite. So you think women can’t fight, eh?” The leader stepped closer to her, “ Depends on the woman. Put down your bow…you’re outnumbered.” Lathwen sighed and put her arrow back in her quiver, and slowly set down the bow at her feet. A silent dark-haired elf strode forward and picked it up, taking it out of her reach.

An amused smile curved Lathwen’s lips, “ Lets see now…two women, a group of trained elves…my, my, are we really that dangerous or are you all just quite suspicious?” The leader answered, “ I’d not mock us maiden…we have the advantage.” Lathwen blithely raised an eyebrow, “ Who said I was mocking?”

The leader didn’t respond, he just said as calmly as ever, “ Answer my questions.” Lathwen shrugged and turned around, facing Lily. “ I think you should untie her.” She said, her back still towards the leader.
“ Why?”
“ I may need her assistance in telling you what you want to know.”
“ Oh? She is free to speak and help you, seeing as you have taken off the gag.”
“ Ah…but she is still tied. Pain hinders thought…she’d do better if you would untie her.”

The leader must’ve given the signal, for an elf stepped forward and with on quick motion, severed the ropes tying Lily to the tree. Lily fell to the ground and Lathwen knelt beside her, “ Foolish girl. Why didn’t you shout?” Lily gave Lathwen a wry look, “ First of all, they had weapons…I would’ve been a walking pincushion before I could say ‘help me’ and second of all…you sleep like stone. My yelling wouldn’t have woken you.”

Lathwen thought she could hear a snicker from one of the elves, but she ignored it. “ Fine.” She said to Lily. Lathwen bent down on the pretense of examining Lily’s wrist where the rope had caused a burn. “ I have a plan Lily. Do what I say.” She murmured oh so quietly. Lily inclined her head slightly.

Lathwen stood up and looked at the leader with golden hair. Lily stood beside her. Lathwen asked slowly, “ Why is it you want this…information?” The leader put his arrow back in his quiver and strapped his bow onto his back before answering. “ It is very unusual for anyone, even men, to be traveling near Hoarwell at this spot, and I cannot be sure if you are enemies or not, I must know who you serve. Also, I confess, I am quite curious as to what you are doing here.”

“ Really?” Lathwen said as she casually walked closer to him. The other elves arrows immediately pointed at her head. “ Don’t be idiots,” She said to them frostily, “ I cannot possibly do anything to your precious leader without any weapons.”

The leader raised an eyebrow when Lathwen came a step closer. “ I must enclose this information with no one else but you.” She said pointedly. The leader nodded and said, “ Then let us step over there, my lady.” “ That will not be necessary.” Lathwen said shortly before doing the most daring thing she had done in her whole life.

Lathwen swiftly reached the elf’s side and whispered in his ear, “ Make one stupid move, and you will die.” The leader looked at her in confusion, but it was to late.

Lathwen had pulled one of the knives at the leader’s waist out from its sheath, causing a ringing sound, which echoed through the silent clearing.


Chapter 8 - Curiosity Kills the Cat...Almost.

Disclaimer; I don’t own anything of Tolkien’s, which I always thought, was a huge rip off.
Note: This one is short, but never fear…the next chapter will be longer.

Quickly, she put the knife to his throat, and stepped behind him, pinning his arms down with her arm.

Lily gasped along with the other elves. Lathwen rolled her eyes…she knew that this elf was much stronger than her, and she couldn’t hold him by force alone. That is where the knife came in…if he moved in any way; she would be able to slice open his throat without a problem.

She looked at the other elves from behind the leader’s shoulder. “ Put your weapons over there.” She said, nodding toward a tree at the far end of the clearing. “ NOW!” The elves slowly obeyed, glaring at her so that the grass beneath her feet should have rightfully caught fire.

“ I’d like you to sit down over near Lily.” She suggested in a not so suggestive tone. Again, the elves obeyed, two or three murmuring among themselves. Lathwen tightened her grip on the dagger and the elf leader’s arms. She licked her lips and said firmly, “ Now, I want you all to be silent, and listen to me.” Nothing and nobody moved or made a sound.

“ Good.” Lathwen said. “ Lily, please go tell Rosethorn and Wildfire that I won’t be back unless they come and get me.” The elves looked alarmed; there were more of these maidens? Lily however, understood the unspoken message and nodded with a grin, “ They won’t stand for it.” She jogged out of the clearing, her golden curls bouncing.

Lathwen’s eyes scanned the elves sitting unceremoniously underneath a tree to her right. None seemed frightened by her obvious scrutiny. Lathwen frowned at them and began, “ I don’t know who any of you are or where you come from. But I do know that none of you are friends to us. Therefore, many, if not all, of you must serve the same master that sent all of the cloaked men and orcs to kill us.”

The elves began to mutter among themselves in elvish again. One of the elves snorted, but Lathwen glared at him fiercely. “ If you were any friends of ours, you would let us go on our way.” She pointed out. Lathwen felt the leader shift against her, so she pressed the dagger more firmly against his throat as a reminder.

“ As for the information I was about to give your captain…there’s nothing to tell. Or at least, nothing as far as we *will* tell. I don’t want any more of your kind, or anyone else for that matter, trying to follow, kill, or capture us, or whatever you were planning to do. Understand?”

The group of elves by the tree nodded sullenly. “ Thank you.” Lathwen said sarcastically.

She felt the leader shift his weight again. “ Do you have a death wish?” She asked him calmly. Lathwen could have sworn she heard him growl. She shrugged, “ Curiosity killed the cat. You’ll be lucky if it doesn’t kill you one of these days.”

“ I don’t understand why violence is necessary.” The leader said. Lathwen could fell the rumble of his voice vibrate through her chest. Lathwen sighed, “ I’d of thought that was obvious. You were very well prepared to use it on us besides.”

She turned her head slightly as she heard a pair of hooves not very far off. Seconds later, Lily appeared on Wildfire, leading Rosethorn. Lathwen nodded slightly toward her friend who nodded back and sped towards Lathwen at a gallop. At the last moment, she shot past, Rosethorn behind.

However, when Rosethorn galloped past, Lathwen quickly removed the dagger from the elf’s throat and pushed him off balance. She leapt towards her horse, and managed to grab onto the saddle horn. Lathwen leaned into the saddle as Rosethorn galloped through a tight space of trees. Lathwen hastily grabbed a fistful of Rosethorn’s mane as her hand slipped off of the saddle horn. She then put a hand on Rosethorn’s back and took a breath. Lathwen placed her foot in the stirrup and swung up onto the saddle, breathing hard. “ Quite the acrobat.” Lily called back. Lathwen smiled, but winced as she looked down at her hand, which had an ugly red burn across it.

Lathwen gasped in surprise as an arrow whizzed past her and thudded into a tree trunk at her right. Lathwen listened and found that she could hear the indignant and hostile shouts of the elves she and Lily had left behind. They were shouting in their harmonious tongue…or at least, one of them was. Lathwen listened more carefully and identified the leader’s voice.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Lathwen and Lily sped through the rest of the forest and burst out of the edge of the tree line where they plunged into the river. Lathwen let out a gasp as the frigid water soaked her clothing. Rosethorn tossed her head and trotted out of the river onto the bank where Lily already was, tying the rest of their equipment onto the saddles.

Lathwen pulled her map from the saddlebag and examined it. “ We’ll go halfway to the second split, then rest.” She shouted. Lily nodded and trotted Wildfire down the riverbank as they followed the rushing Hoarwell to its second split.

If they had elven sight or hearing, they would have noticed that a group of five figures followed them, while the other half went the opposite way to deliver a message to Lord Elrond.

***
Lathwen struggled to take a breath. It was the afternoon and the sun was shining bright enough to blind someone. Lily and the horses were camped under a huge pine tree. Lathwen however, had gone to the bank of the Hoarwell to (believe it or not) wash. Lily had scoffed, “ Come on Lathwen…you aren’t serious are you? We have more important things to do!” Lathwen shrugged as she walked away, “ I’ll be able to keep a lookout this way to!” Lily couldn’t argue with that, and she didn’t.

Lathwen surfaced and shook the water out of her eyes, taking a deep breath of the sweet, warm summer air. She hummed quietly the song her mother used to sing. Lathwen ducked under the surface of the river once more and resurfaced again. She reached up and wrung her hair out while she watched the puffy clouds float by. Slowly, she waded out of the water and picked up her clothes on the bank that had been drying on a rock after she had washed them. They were dry now, but she was not.

Lathwen used her cloak to dry herself off, and then she stepped into the fresh and clean smelling…well, almost clean smelling…tunic and leggings. She shoved her feet into her boots in a hurry, feeling that she had taken to long. Lathwen winced as her swollen ankle went down into her boot. “ I hate this.” She mumbled and stalked off in the direction of camp.

When she got there, she immediately sat down and began braiding her hair. Lily was yawning and twirling a single golden curl around her finger. “ Well, that was an interesting morning…now all we have to do is get to the second split, and we’ll be off.” She said.

Lathwen snorted and tied of her braid, “ Not that simple. They’re probably following us.” Lily looked shocked, “ How do you know?” Lathwen shrugged and nodded over to the trees on the opposite bank, “ Well its not like they’re just going to leave us alone, is it? Besides, I saw plenty of movement going on over there when I was washing.” Lily’s shock turned to disgust, “ They were watching—” Lathwen shook her head, “ NO! They were setting up camp. The leader I put the knife to is with them.” Lily frowned, “ THAT is bad news for us.” Lathwen nodded, “ Mmm…which is why we need to get moving…maybe we’ll be able to lose them at the second split.”

Lily protested, “ But we’ve scarcely rested at all!” Lathwen looked ruefully at her friend, then at the horses. “ Well, both us and the horses need to build our strength…why not start now?” Lily shrugged, but didn’t complain, thought she didn’t look at all happy about it.

***
Lily and Lathwen had the second split of the Hoarwell in sight at dusk. They hadn’t seen any sign of the elves while riding or resting, so they had figured that they had given up the chase. (Bad reasoning on their part…)

Lathwen called their journey to a halt once they reached the split. Lily sighed with relief and stumbled as she dismounted. Lathwen to was relieved to be able to stop once again. She felt the ache and burning in her thighs and knees clearly, but her back wasn’t as bad as it had been before. She limped as she led Rosethorn over to a tall oak and tied her reigns to a tree. Her ankle was inflamed even more than it had been in past days. Lily followed the suit and tied up Wildfire.

“ I think we should rest for a good day or two here.” Lily said firmly. Lathwen nodded wearily, “ I can’t take much more of this.” She answered in agreement. Lily took Wildfire’s saddle off and Lathwen did the same for Rosethorn. “ There you go girl.” She said softly, patting Rosethorn on the neck before taking their dinner of bread and dry meat from the saddlebag.

Lathwen took a bite of her bread and threw it into the saddlebag. “ I’m tired of dried meat. I’m going to see if I can find something else.” Lily nodded, “ Normally I’d want to come with you, but I’m going to look after the horses…besides, I need some rest to.” Lathwen smiled and picked up her bow, sauntering off into the woods at the other side of the river. (Stupid thing to do…) She crossed over a tree that had fallen over the river.

Lathwen walked cautiously through the foggy woods, wondering if the elves were going to pop out from behind a tree and murder her with one of those well-aimed arrows. A movement out of the corner of her vision caused her head to whip around. It was a buck…a huge one to, antlers a few feet long.

Lathwen licked her lips and put an arrow on her bowstring. She pulled the string back and was amazed to see that the buck didn’t move, it just went on eating. Lathwen let the arrow fly.

She expected to hear a meaty smacking sound, but instead, she heard another arrow sing through the air and watched in shock as the arrow carved hers in half and threw it off course in the process. The buck looked up, saw Lathwen, and ran away. Lathwen sighed loudly in frustration.

She swung around and put another arrow in her bowstring. Out of the mist strolled…grrr…the leader of the elves. How she loathed him.

His hair shone with a silverish tint from the water droplets the mist made. In his hand were his bow and an extra arrow. His quiver hung from his back. Lathwen backed up a few steps and allowed her quiver to slide down to her hip so she’d have easier access to her arrows…if there were a need for them.

“ You promised.” Lathwen said, the words bursting from her lips before she could stop them. The leader shook his head, “ My men promised. I did not.” Lathwen snorted, her sarcastic mask coming up once more, “ So you think you can follow us anyway just because you didn’t promise to leave us alone?”

The leader stalked closer, his eyes never leaving hers. Lathwen was beginning to get nervous. (Smart girl.) She could see that his eyes glinted with fury, but his character remained cool and distant. In desperation, Lathwen held up her bow and aimed her arrow at him, “ Stay where you are.” Her voice didn’t tremble at all.

The elf held up his hands and set his bow down, “ I don’t fancy harming you…I merely wish to talk if you’ll allow.” Lathwen made a split second decision and put her arrow back in her quiver. “ As you wish.” She answered. Then she bolted back to the river and crossed it, slipping once or twice but never falling.

Her legs burned and her ankle complained loudly, but she grit her teeth and ran towards Lily who had stood up and was quickly untying the horses reins seeing the fear on her friend’s face. “ Is it orcs?” She shouted. Lathwen shook her head and answered, “ SOMETHING MUCH WORSE!”

Lily grimaced and turned back to the horses. Lathwen was a few yards away from her friend when a heavy force tackled her and knocked her to her knees. Lathwen knelt there, panting. She turned around and saw the leader on the ground next to her. He stood up quickly and offered her a hand, which she took.

After she stood up, she gave him a glare and walked toward Rosethorn who was already saddled. Lily was snorting with laughter, “ *This* is the thing that’s worse than an orc?” Lathwen glared at her friend who only laughed harder. She mounted on Rosethorn and saw that the elven leader had followed her to her horse. “ WHAT DO YOU BLOODY ELVES WANT?!” Lathwen shouted.

The leader, not taken aback answered calmly, “ As I said before…information. But we can withhold on that for now.” Lathwen looked suspiciously at him. He merely gave her an amused look and said, “ Permit me to introduce myself…I am Glorfindel of Imladris.”


Chapter 9 - Refusal

Disclaimer; I take full credit for whatever Lily, Lathwen, and Eothain do, even if it’s something immensely unreasonable…

Lily coughed and sounded like she was choking. Glorfindel eyed her uneasily. Lathwen said in an all to patient voice, “ I can’t say I care who you are, but I can say this…stop following us! Do you realize how annoying it is?!”
“ Do you realize how annoying it is for someone to put a knife to your throat?”
“ That was self-preservation! I didn’t know if you were planning on skinning us alive or not!”

A less sophisticated elf would have rolled his eyes, but not Glorfindel, “ If you had any sense of self-preservation you’d be dressed *as* a man or be traveling *with* a man.”

Lathwen’s mouth fell open in indignation. She glared at him, “ Our plan was not to *let* anyone see us up close so that they’d find out that we were women. As you can see…circumstances led us astray from that plan.”

Glorfindel’s eyebrow twitched…he seemed to be trying not to laugh. Lathwen glared, “ What?!” (Don’t answer Glorfindel! You want to *live* remember?) Glorfindel answered with a smile (dimples included), “ Perhaps you should put your quiver on your back again.” (So he has a death wish that Tolkien never mentioned or something)

Lathwen looked down and fought back a blush. Her quiver had been caught on the saddle horn. Lathwen looked as if she’d have dearly loved to murder Glorfindel in the bloodiest, most coldhearted way in that moment, even if his smile had been irresistible.

Stupid elf…he was amused at her expense, which was merely a careless mistake. Of course, elves were probably to perfect to ever make a careless mistake…by the Valar, *murdering someone* was probably counted as a careless mistake among their kind.

Glorfindel watched her expression and hastily changed the subject, “ You’ll answer my questions?” Lily sighed and muttered something about the endless questions about them. Lathwen however growled, “ We’re coming from Imladris and going to Gondor…happy?” Glorfindel shook his head.

Lathwen frowned, “ Well that doesn’t matter does it? I’m running short on patience and we really need to move on without any more delays…can we do that sometime this year?” Glorfindel’s eyebrow reached his hairline, “ Calm yourself maiden…I’m sure you have plenty of time.” Lily snapped, “ Look…she told you what you wanted to know, so we’re going, okay?”

Without waiting for his reply, Lily started ahead and crossed the Hoarwell. Upon reaching the other side, she waited for her friend. Lathwen looked at Glorfindel who looked at her. He asked, “ Do you want an escort? Safety in numbers you know…moreover, I am traveling to Lothlorien with five others under my command so—”

Lathwen answered in a clipped voice, “ Thank you, but there will not be a need.” With that, she spurred Rosethorn to a trot and crossed the river with a splash and joined Lily on the other side. “ Shall we?” She asked in a rather tired voice. Lily nodded, “ Let’s get going.” They followed the left bank of the river at a canter, in a hurry to get moving.

***
“ It will take about fifty more miles to get to Lothlorien than it did to reach the second split from the first.” Lathwen commented, as they were already thirty miles there. Lily sighed and looked at Lathwen, “ I hope we get there soon.”
“ Where? To Gondor? Well we won’t.”
“ No…to Lothlorien. I’ve heard the Lorien elves are quite different from the ones in Imladris.”

Lathwen looked at Lily calculatingly, “ Different in a bad way?” She asked suspiciously. Lily shook her head, “ I don’t know. But anyway, I’ve been meaning to address this question to you ever since we left that irritating elf behind…why exactly are we going to Lothlorien if Glorfindel and company are heading there also?”

Lathwen shrugged, “ It’s a good a place to rest as any…besides, we won’t see much of them. We’ll be there and gone before they enter…that is, if *we* are allowed to enter.” Lily raised an eyebrow, “ If?” Lathwen nodded, “ I don’t know if the elves will accept us as friends or not…and even if they do, we’re just mortals in their eyes…they may not let us in for biased reason’s.”

“ As demonstrated back there with Glorfy and his multitude of underlings.” Lily muttered. Lathwen giggled, “ Well you have to admit that they were quite striking.” Lily snorted, “ I guess so…but I’m not aiming for an elf as a husband…if I ever feel like getting one.”
“ Neither am I.”
“ Oh? Glorfy back there seemed like quite the candidate.” Lily giggled which soon turned into gales of laughter.

She managed to choke out, “ But…but you gave him…quite the slap on the wrist with your…your attitude and all…it…it was to some extent amusing to see an elf told off.” Lathwen gave her friend a look and said dryly, “ So I see. But Lily, you’re forgetting something.”
“ What?”
“ He wasn’t coming after me for desirability reasons…I was the one who stuck a sharp knife at him…he wanted revenge.”
“ If you say so.”
“ I do say so!”
“ I know.”

Lathwen and Lily rode on in a companionable silence, occasionally pointing out some oddly shaped tree or an exotic flower. Out of the blue, Lily asked, “ So…what are we going to Gondor for? You never told me.”

Lathwen mentally smacked herself for forgetting, “ That’s right! I never did tell you! I’m sorry Lily, it absolutely slipped my mind.” Lathwen went on, “ Apparently my inheritance had been given to a healer named Dolithial in Gondor, who gave it to a man who was passing through. I’m going to find the man and get my inheritance back…if he hasn’t spent it already of course.” Lily digested this information with interest.

Lathwen flexed her legs in the stirrups, feeling that familiar tingling sensation beginning again. She said, “ I often wondered what was out there for me, or if being in the tavern was where I’d stay till I grew old and wrinkled…never did I imagine that I actually inherited something of value from anyone.” Lathwen sighed and said a bit more softly, “ Often I wonder if I’m doing the right thing…going after something that I don’t even know is existent anymore. Am I doing the right thing?”

Lily nodded firmly and said, “ Of course you are Lathwen! Never doubt that! You didn’t deserve the treatment your uncle was giving you…no one does. You got the chance to leave, and thank heavens you did! Always trust your instincts Lathwen…never doubt that you’ve made the right decision if you’ve been able to live with it for this long.”

***
They had ridden through the night, stopping twice for an hour’s rest…not that it helped any of them, but it hardened their will and resolve to go on. They were on the brink of the evening when Lathwen pulled out her map and examined it. “ So,” She whispered in the near dark, “ We’re at the River Silverlode, which is right on the western border of Lothlorien…we are very close.”

Lily pointed in front of them, “ I could have told you that…look there!” Ahead of them in the distance they could see towering trees that seemed to reach the heavens. It was twilight already, and they could hear the owls hooting and crickets chirping, the tranquility causing them to speak in whispers.

Lathwen kneed Rosethorn into a canter and they forged the river, which was *not* shallow in that area. Wildfire and Rosethorn splashed into the river and began swimming, nickering lowly in surprise when the ground underneath them vanished. Lathwen herself was petrified…what if she fell? What if Lily fell? Her leggings were already wet from her knees down.

Rosethorn neighed once loudly, the sound echoing in the night. “ Shh girl…it’s okay, it’s alright.” Lathwen whispered to Rosethorn and patted her neck. She could hear Lily speaking soft reassurances to Wildfire. Shivering, they came upon the bank and walked towards the woods.

Lathwen suddenly halted and dismounted, limping as her feet hit the ground. “ I’m walking. I can’t take much more of this.” She said in an exasperated tone. Lily shrugged and slid down to the ground, “ My back hurts…yours is a good idea.” Lathwen clucked at Rosethorn who started walking while Lathwen limped on. Lily spied her friend’s affliction and said, “ Lathwen! I’d forgotten that you twisted your ankle…you should ride!” Lathwen gritted her teeth against a sudden burst of pain and shook her head vehemently.

They had reached the border of the woods and were going in. The trees were huge! Wide and tall, with golden leaves as big as dinner plates and the bark was a silverish hue.

They went on in silence, as the night sky grew inky. It was good that the trees themselves gave off something of a glow, for Lathwen and Lily didn’t have any source of light. Suddenly Lathwen felt her foot catch on a rock, and she fell with a cry. Lily hurried to her side and helped her up.

“ That’s it Lathwen!” She said forcefully, “ Get on the horse!” Lathwen shook her head, “ No! Honestly, I’m fine!”
“ You can’t go on like this! You’re in no condition to walk this whole way!”
“ All I did was trip Lily!”
“ Fine, but when you break you leg, I don’t want to hear any complaints!”
“ Don’t worry…you won’t.”

They went on in silence for a minute or two. The wind whispered in the trees, causing their leaves to rustle. Lathwen’s head jerked to the right as she heard a small sound. Someone was whispering…something was watching them.

She reined Rosethorn in sharply and said to Lily, “ Slow! Listen.” Lily and Lathwen stood as still as two stones, their ears straining to make out any sound. Lily finally shook her head, “ I hear nothing.”

Lathwen sighed and said, “ Either I’m hearing things, or there are some people here who are probably lookouts who don’t want us to know that they’re here.” She said this sentence loudly, alerting the people…if there were any…that she knew they were here.

Lily said in an equally loud tone, “ Or maybe its Glorfy and his gang…coming to murder us at last.” Nothing and nobody made a sound. If there were sentinels…they didn’t want to show themselves right now. Lily growled, “ To busy looking for split ends then, which I’m sure is what they do when shifts are boring.” Lathwen glared at her friend, “ Lily! Do you *want* to die?!”

Lily shrugged, “ All humans know that elves have a special interest in grooming. It’s not my fault word gets around to less civilized parts eventually…” Lathwen sighed and tried not to laugh. She spread her arms and shouted into the night’s sky, “ TO ANY ELF OUT THERE…I’M NOT WITH HER! NOW YOU CAN CHOP HER INTO LITTLE PIECES FIRST…I DON’T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT!” (Hellllooo Lathwen! Orcs! Orcs! Orcs! Not only elves are around…)

Lily snickered and followed Lathwen occasionally stumbling on a root or such. Fifteen minutes passed without any sign of human (or elven) inhabitation. Lathwen sighed, “ How LONG will it take?! Are the sentries BLIND?!”

There was a rustling behind them, and they turned around to look. Seeing nothing and feeling a bit more than nervous, Lathwen and Lily turned back to face front and found themselves confronted with a thicket of razor-sharp arrows. Lily gave a short laugh, “ I guess not.”

Lathwen slipped on an indifferent mask, not acting scared, but pitying and scornful. The beings holding the arrows were most obviously elves. They all had blonde hair, but tinted with silver…or perhaps it was the light cast from the trees. Their intense gaze seemed to pierce the girls’ very souls. Their indifferent, haughty expressions matched that of Lathwen. They wore tunics and leggings that blended in with their surroundings…no wonder Lily and Lathwen hadn’t seen them.

Lathwen was beginning to get annoyed by this one particular arrow, which was nearly poking her eye out. She raised a hand and tried to push it away, but recoiled as the unyielding bow stayed where it was, the pointy arrow stabbing into her flesh. She acted like the wound didn’t hurt, and the blood dripping down her arm didn’t bother her.

One elf, the leader of the pervy Robin Hood gang (forgive my reference to modern times) asked sharply, “ Who are you?” Lathwen glared at Lily, warning her not to answer, “ I’m Alanessa, and this is—” “ Lillian.” Lily finished coolly. The elves glanced at each other, “ Half truth.” The leader said indifferently, but immediately went on to the next question, “ Where are you from?” “ Around Weathertop.” Lily answered. “ Truth, but not an exact answer.”

“ Why have you come here?” “ To rest and perhaps acquire some provisions for the rest of our journey. We wish not harm to you.” Lathwen said. The elf opened his mouth again but Lathwen cut him off, “ Gondor.” She answered shortly. The leader glared at her, seeming upset that she had interrupted his ritual of questions, but said, “ Alanessa and Lillian…you have entered the Golden Wood…home to the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. They insist upon meeting you.” Lily and Lathwen looked at each other nervously.

A lord and lady? Interested in *them*? Well of course, women traveling alone with weapons weren’t all that common…but surely nobles wouldn’t bother themselves with this sort of thing?

Lily nodded and said smoothly, “ So be it.” Lathwen groaned inwardly…what had they gotten themselves into?!

/Welcome, Lathwen Alanessa. We’ve long awaited you./ A soft and gentle female voice said in Lathwen’s head. /Ah, so news does travel fast./ Lathwen thought before slipping into a world of blackness.


Chapter 10 - Lothlorien

Disclaimer; This is my own work and I’m not making any money off of this.
Note: P.O.V’s are switched for a while in this chapter.


Glorfindel watched the two disagreeable girls’ ride away from him and across the river. They had refused his help and the help of his men…foolish mortals. They didn’t know the dangers.

“ I don’t know why you bother Glorfindel.” Said Maetherion, who had just come up behind him. He one of his subordinates, but also his closest friend. Glorfindel raised an eyebrow, “ It’s common courtesy ‘therion. Come, let us go on. We have only a little way to go before we reach Lorien.”

Maetherion snorted as they started walking back to camp, he ignored the last part of Glorfindel’s speech and said, “ Tackling that firebrand who held the knife to your throat was also common courtesy then.”

Glorfindel sighed; he still remembered how the curves of her body had fitted perfectly against his. She was lovely, as beautiful as his long lost love. Glorfindel could feel his heart breaking again. /Pull yourself together! She’s gone!/ He thought to himself, roughly shaking himself out of the reverie where he had remembered…remembered to much of what had happened that day. He pushed the memory of her death to the back of his mind.

Glorfindel’s face betrayed nothing of his emotions, he only said, “ By the Valar…what a sharp tongue that one possesses!” Maetherion smirked, “ It was enough to turn a man to stone if she put her mind to it, judging by what we heard.”

Glorfindel said, “ And the other was rather quiet. Strange match.” Maetherion shook his head, “ Perhaps not.” Glorfindel looked at his friend, but he refused to elaborate.

***
Lathwen winced and rolled onto her side. She cried out as a sharp pain stabbed her side. Fantastic…she had dozens of bruises from where that idiot of an elf…’Glorfindel’…had rudely attacked her and caused her to fall to the ground! That nasty immortal! She hated him now more than ever.

Lathwen opened her eyes and looked around, but it was hard to see in the dark. She remembered the wound from the arrow and quickly looked down at her hand…why wasn’t it bandaged? Didn’t these elves have any sense of mercy or pity? They were just going to let it bleed and get infected weren’t they! She gasped quietly as she saw that there was no scar or scratch at all! The wound had disappeared like it had never been there!

Lathwen looked around more thoroughly as her eyes got adjusted to the dark and she saw that Lily was lying on a bedroll on the opposite side of, what used to be, the fire. She herself was lying on the bedroll. Other elves were lying down a short distance away in a full circle around their prisoners. (Smart tactic if you didn’t want to let anyone get away.)

Lathwen shivered as she saw that some of the elves eyes were open as they slept…if that could even be called sleeping…perhaps it was meditating. Lathwen counted the elves…there were less than when they were first found. She frowned and watched as an elf suddenly appeared and shook another elf awake. She could hear them speaking in low tones before the just woken elf grabbed his weapons and headed off into the forest while the other lie down. Oh! The rest were keeping guard!

Lathwen bit her lip in annoyance…a nervous habit. She had known she and Lily couldn’t get away even if all of the elves were keeping guard…they were elves after all. That didn’t stop her from being tense and uneasy…something about these woods scared her and made her want to get to Lorien as soon as possible. A sense of mysterious unlimited power was infused in the very air surrounding them…a power that could easily smother them all in ten seconds flat.

Perhaps the power was coming from the elves? No…it was coming from the Lady and Lord of Lothlorien. A sense of awe came over Lathwen as she remembered what the lady had said to her…had the she said anything to Lily? Had the lady actually said anything at all or was she hallucinating? Lathwen snorted softly to herself and settled on the latter.

Of course she was hallucinating or something like it…hadn’t she fainted after she heard the voice? It was a combination of loss of blood, fatigue, pain, and hunger that had caused her to start hearing things and then faint. That had to be the solution, there was no possible way anyone could speak inside of someone else’s head…was there?

Lathwen came out of her trance to find that it was dawn already, and the elves were packing up camp. She leaned across the fire and shook Lily’s shoulder, “ Hey, wake up…we need to go.”

Lily rolled over with a groan and sat up, her curls in disarray. She yawned and rubbed her eyes, looking around. She spotted Lathwen and said, “ You’re awake!” Lathwen must have looked confused because Lily went on, “ You slept right through the rest of the night and the next day. I was honestly starting to worry.” Lathwen rolled her eyes and smiled slightly at Lily’s teasing tone, “ Apparently I faint easily.”

She stood up and rolled the bedroll up, Lily doing the same. “ Who do these belong to?” Lathwen asked. Lily shrugged, “ I don’t know.” Lathwen spied the leader who had been interrogating them before and strode over with Lily. She tapped him on the shoulder.

He turned with an upraised eyebrow. /Arrogant elves/ Lathwen thought, but said, “ Thank you for letting us use these.” His eyes softened and he nodded, calling something out to an elf that was examining another elf’s injury…an arrow wound in the shoulder.

The healer elf looked over his shoulder and said something to the patient before standing up and jogging over to his captain. The leader said, “ They are his.” Lathwen smiled at the healer and handed him the bedroll. “ Thank you.” She said. The elf smiled pleasantly and nodded. /Aha…not all elves are stuck up then./

***
The group of elves and the two humans had journeyed for a good part of the day. Weary and footsore, Lathwen had been silent the whole day; Lily however, was conversing with the healer elf, talking animatedly. Lathwen had been to mesmerize by the abundant wildlife and the rich array of plants to talk to anyone. But even that got tiresome.

Lathwen tapped the shoulder of the leader who was in front of her. He slowed his pace until he and Lathwen were walking side by side. “ How much further to Lorien?” She questioned. “ Not far. Are you weary?” Came the reply. Lathwen shook her head; “ I’ve traveled at a faster pace before and without any stops to rest. But could you tell me something?” The leader waited patiently. Lathwen asked, “ What is your name?”
“ Nestaron.”
“ Nestaron…could you tell me anything about Glorfindel of Imladris?”

Nestaron smirked, “ Ah, so you met him at Imladris…many a maiden becomes entranced at the sight of him.” Lathwen snorted, “ Not I. It just so happens that my companion was surprised when he announced his name and I had not idea why. He was just another elf to me.”

Nestaron raised an eyebrow in amazement and said, “ Just another elf? Alanessa, he fought in a great war in Gondolin and slew a balrong! No mean feat. But he to died, and was kept in the Halls of Waiting so he could return to Arda.” Nestaron spread his arms, “ So here he remains. It is a long tale Alanessa, but one worth telling…it is disappointing that you do not know the story and that I do not have time to tell it.”

“ Alanessa, Lillian, welcome to Lothlorien.”

Lathwen heard Lily gasp, she herself had to bite her tongue to stop from exclaiming. It was beautiful in an eerie, ethereal way.

The huge trees got even larger here, and delicate, beautifully wrought staircases circled around the trees’ trunks’, going from tree to tree, lacing especially around rather large ones which had a small house-like structure on it. Lathwen overheard Lily ask the healer, “ What are the buildings atop the trees called?”
“ We call them talans…each being here has their own or shares one with a family.”
“ It’s amazing! Are those staircases safe though?”
“ Perfectly. They were built long ago.”
“ What a comforting thought.”
“ Pardon?”
“ Nothing, its just where we come from, structures get weaker and less durable as they get older.”
“ Ah. I see.”

Lathwen smiled slightly, she agreed with Lily, everything was rather beautiful. The staircases, like the trees, gave of a certain glow. All of the plants and trees looked healthy and happy…the construction of the buildings was still strong after hundreds of years most likely…elves were beginning to get better in Lathwen’s eyes. Except for Glorfindel. /Do his close friends actually call him ‘Glorfy’?/ Lathwen wondered for lack of anything better to think of. The splendor of this place had blown all thoughts away from her mind.

Nestaron led them further into Lothlorien, stopping only when the group stood under a particularly large silver barked tree. He said something in elvish and suddenly, all of the other elves in the company departed, going back to their stations, Lathwen guessed. Soon it was only he, another strange elf, and the healer that were left. The strange elf led Rosethorn and Wildfire by the reins and whispered to them in elvish, urging them to follow him.

“ Do not fear, Ridhion is only bringing them to the stables to be fed and taken care of.” Nestaron had assured them.

Nestaron motioned for the humans to follow him. He began climbing the staircase that twisted around the trunk. Lathwen followed Lily, the healer elf behind them all. The climb seemed endless to Lathwen, she was soon breathing hard along with Lily.

One time Lathwen made the mistake of looking down to the forest floor. The sight made her dizzy…they were this high up already?! Lathwen stopped looking and calmed her queasy stomach. She continued climbing even though her saddle sore thighs were burning. “ We are close, take heart.” Said the healer elf behind her. Lathwen looked over her shoulder and nodded to him. /Dear gods! *What* do they feed these elves?!/

At long last the four came to the top of the tree where a structure with an open door stood. There were two guards on each side of the door, and they stared straight ahead as Nestaron led the others inside.

There was nothing in the room save for a raised dais on which sat two thrones. Upon the thrones sat a lady and a man, who stood upon their entry. Lathwen felt faint as their gazes fell upon her and Lily, for Nestaron and the healer had left already.

The lady was dressed in white, a silver girdle at her waist. Her long silverish-blonde hair shimmered and was adorned with a simple tiara. Her face was young, but looking into her eyes, Lathwen could see the sadness and secrecy of an ancient woman. The lord (she assumed he was the lord) had a more tranquil and remote look to his features, but his eyes held the pain of many ages of war and suffering. He wore a silver tunic with a blue overcoat, but nothing ornamented his long blonde hair.

The lady stepped forward and said in a musical voice, “ Welcome Lillian and Alanessa. No doubt you both know who I am?” Lily nodded, for Lathwen was still in a state of shock. “ Yes my lady, or at least, I think we know who you are. Are you the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn your guards spoke of?”

A small smile came to the lady’s lips, and she said, “ We are. And just as our March Warden, Nestaron wondered, we would like to know what brings you here.” Lathwen’s tongue seemed to be loosened at that moment, for she said, “ We are traveling to Gondor and have stopped here to ask for your hospitality.”

Lady Galadriel nodded with a knowledgeable air, as if she already knew everything that was, or would be, spoken. “ Your kin weren’t loving I see. And what sort of hospitality are you in need of?” Lily answered in a shocked voice, “ Just a replenishing of food and water is all my lady.”

Lathwen hurriedly added, “ My lady, can we ask a favor of you?” Lady Galadriel nodded, “ What is it young one?”

Lathwen said, “ Being two maidens traveling alone without any men or guards, we are obviously objects of curiosity. Could you and my lord not mention us, but leave the elves to find us out if they want to? We are just servants my lady, and we don’t want a big fuss. So please, don’t mention anything about us.” (Lathwen was skating on thin ice, not telling her real name and not revealing much about her personal life…but if the lady knew more than Lathwen and Lily had told, she didn’t show it.)

Lady Galadriel nodded slowly, “ I believe we can do that for you.” Lily asked, “ My lady, are there any jobs we could do around here? We both can cook and clean and wash and whatnot, and we hate feeling useless…” “ I love children!” Lathwen volunteered, “ And gardening.” Lily nodded emphatically, “ I like gardening also. Please my lady…it would make us both very content along with your community.”

Lady Galadriel seemed to consider it, “ If you both want to do it,” She said slowly, “ And you are doing it of your own free will, then I do not see how I could possibly object.” Lathwen flashed a smile and Lily grinned. The lady held up her hand in farewell, “ You may go. Nestaron will lead you to your quarters.” Lathwen curtsied as best she could without a dress on, and Lily did the same. “ Thank you my lady.” Lathwen said. Lily nodded, “ Thank you very much.” Nestaron appeared at the doorway and motioned for the girls’ to follow him.

“ Did you hear anything?” Lily asked him once they were outside and once again, walking up and down dizzying staircases. Nestaron gave her a puzzled glance, “ No…I was with Ridhion in the stables. Did you want me to hear anything?” Lily shrugged and said lightly, “ Just wondering. I’ve heard elves have keen hearing.” She made this sound lighthearted and innocently curious, but Lathwen knew her better. She wondered if any elves had heard and would ruin their game.

“ The guards outside the door did not hear either.” Nestaron went on, “ The lady knows many things, not only how to keep words from others ears.” Lathwen shivered…Lady Galadriel was a sorceress? That was somewhat frightening.

Lathwen remained silent as Nestaron continued leading them to the edge of the many talans where an empty one waited. Nestaron opened the door and said, “ I hope you ladies will be comfortable here…Sarethiel will be by soon to attend to you. Farewell for now.” He strode away silently, his feet not making any sounds.

Lathwen squinted in the morning sun as she watched him go. She shrugged and motioned for Lily to go inside. Lathwen smiled as she saw the simple but beautifully furnished room.


On the far wall underneath a window was a bookcase stuffed full with gilded books and a writing desk with ink and a quill already provided. On the right wall was a bed, and at the left, was a wardrobe that Lily flung open and critically eyed the many dresses and tunics. At the wall opposite from the bookcase and desk was a cot, which hung in front of another window, the sunlight streaming onto the floor.

Lathwen sighed and flopped down onto the cot, gently swinging back and forth. “ This is the first time I’ve ever had anything this nice.” She said absentmindedly. Lily nodded in agreement, “ It’s a lovely place to stay.” Lathwen let her eyes wander about the room again, but this time, she noticed something else. On the wall next to the wardrobe was a door. Lathwen slipped off of the cot and walked over to it, pulling it open. She gasped, “ Lily! Look!”

Lily closed the mahogany wardrobe and stepped into the room along with Lathwen. There was a delicate looking porcelain tub, which was hollowed out of the floor. Nearby was a rack on which hung towels and washcloths. Next to the rack was a low stool, which had soaps and bath oils standing on it. A small window was in the corner, letting in light.

Lily turned to Lathwen with a grin, “ This is something I could get used to.”


Chapter 11 - Vanish Then the Shadow

Disclaimer; I don’t own Glorfindel, much to my dismay, (Though it may be to the elation of others) but I assure you, Lathwen, Eothain, and Lillian are mine.

Lathwen placed her bow and arrows on the cot and threw her cloak down after them. Lily had already neatly hung her weapons and cloak on her bedpost, and was delving in the bookshelf, occasionally picking out a book and flipping through its pages with childlike delight.

A knock at the door startled Lathwen, who was swinging gently on the cot again. Lily turned around; an open book still in her hands and Lathwen had gotten off of the cot and looked toward the person at the door.

A female elf stood there, hands clasped before her and a beaming smile on her face. She had silverish-blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes, which held a certain mischievous quality. Lathwen instantly liked her.

The elf curtsied and said to them, “ Well met, Lily…Alanessa. I’m Sarethiel your soon-to-be guide for as long as you stay here. Lady Galadriel appointed me herself to tell you both your jobs here.” Lily and Lathwen held their breath and Sarethiel laughed at their hopeful expressions.

“ You weren’t that worried, were you? Oh dear…then you’ll be happy to know that you will both be working with jobs you love. Lily you with be tending to the lady’s personal garden, and Lathwen, you will be caring for twin boys that have just been born.” Lathwen exhaled and smiled warmly, “ Come in, won’t you?”

Sarethiel nodded and stepped inside. She eyed Lily and Lathwen’s clothing then bustled over to the wardrobe where she picked out a soft rose-colored dress for Lily, and an emerald dress with white ribbon trimming the hem and sleeves for Lathwen.

She shepherded them quickly out of their new talan into the afternoon sunlight, chatting all the while. “ The lady says you’ll be staying here for a while…I hope you can stay at least until my sister’s wedding ceremony is over. That would be such fun! Weddings are always filled with music and dancing, food and wine—”

A pair of giggling elf-maids passed by, exchanging a polite nod with the visitors and Sarethiel as the three climbed down a stairway to the forest floor.

“ Where are we going?” Lily asked curiously. Sarethiel answered, “ To the baths of course…you’re lucky today is the female’s day to wash…we separate bathing and washing days by gender you know. Ever since that incident with Ridhion a few hundred years ago the rules have become stricter, thank the Valar. *I* wouldn’t want to be caught with my skirts—”

Lily giggled, “ What?! Ridhion? The elf that took our horses to the stables?” Sarethiel nodded with a slight giggle, “ I’ll have to tell you! Oh, it was hilarious! You should have seen the horrified look on Manwathiel’s face!” Lathwen smiled, looks like elves were good gossips. Hehe…their stay would be fun, if not, at least it would be interesting.

They were approaching a tent like edifice, and could hear running water inside. Sarethiel held back the flap and let them inside first, and then she herself followed and hung their dresses on a rack on the wall just for that purpose. Lathwen saw that there was a small waterfall, which had a small pool below it. Lily pads and rose petals floated on the gently rocking water. Lily leaned over and whispered to Lathwen, “ Elves do communal bathing.” Sarethiel looked up from picking up a towel and said cheerfully, “ That’s right. And there are stalls where you may bathe behind the waterfall.” /Gods! *She* has some good ears!/

Sarethiel handed Lily and Lathwen their own towel and washcloth. “ I must go do some chores for Lindariel while you bathe. I’m somewhat late already. I will be back in time to pick you up for your tour of the city while we go to where you will work.” Lily nodded, “ Fine with us.” Sarethiel nodded and practically bolted out of the bathing house. Apparently she was more than ‘somewhat’ late.

Lathwen wandered around the waterfall and found a doorway leading to a tiled room with separate chambers for bathing. She stepped into the nearest one and saw that there was a big tub in the middle. She quickly stripped and lowered herself into the pleasantly steamy water. She picked up the lavender scented soap and scrubbed herself, relishing the feeling of being clean.

She soaked blissfully for five more minutes before reluctantly getting out and drying off…she didn’t want to be late for her first time job here. Lathwen put on her green dress and pranced out of the room with her clothes, feeling very much energized. She found Lily and Sarethiel talking near the waterfall when she entered the room. Sarethiel looked tired, strands of hair were falling down into her face for crying out loud! God forbid an elf have less than perfect hair!

Lathwen walked up to them with a frown and asked concernedly, “ Sarethiel! What’s wrong?” Sarethiel gave a laugh and took Lathwen’s clothes, putting them in a basket that held others clothes to. “ Oh…nothing. The job just wore me out is all.”

Lily snorted loudly and placed her hands on her hips, “ You elves don’t get worn out easily…even *I* know that! Lindariel did something to wear you out purposely, didn’t she?” Sarethiel smiled and said, “ Lindariel has something of a quick temper considering she is, after all, an elf. Tell me, did you see us?” Lily shrugged and said, “ No, I’ve just had experience with harsh masters.”

Lathwen saw that Sarethiel looked curious, so she said quickly, “ We aren’t late for *our* jobs, are we?” Sarethiel shook her head and led the way out of the bathing house, “ But we will be if we don’t move fast.”

***
Lathwen had been dropped off first at a meadow close to the group of talans. Underneath an oak tree at the edge sat a harried looking female elf, who was clearly a servant, and she had two wriggling babies in her lap. Sarethiel explained that Lathwen would have to feed them and keep them busy until the end of the day when she could leave them with someone who came to take them. She’d be like a nanny.

Lathwen had asked, “ Do they have a place to stay? With their adopted parents maybe?” Sarethiel shook her head, “ They have no adopted parents, so they must stay with others until their uncle comes back and arranges something for them.” Lathwen said, “ Why don’t they stay with me at our talan? That would be easier for everyone else, wouldn’t it be?” Lathwen absolutely loved children, not matter how fussy they became…and they would keep her busy during the daytime until she and Lily decided to go on with their trip.

Sarethiel nodded hesitantly, “ Perhaps you and Lily would like to stay until their uncle came? That would be ever so helpful, and it will only be a day or two.” Her voice sounded so eager that Lathwen had to agree…she knew what a handful babies could be sometimes.

So here she was, walking toward the elf-maiden who looked very thankful. “ You must be the visiting nursemaid.” She said in a relieved voice as she handed the squalling babies to Lathwen. “ Their names are Tirion and Antien. I just fed them,” She continued as Lathwen bounced the babies slightly, one in each crook of her arm. “ So they won’t need to eat for a while. In case they do, just go to the kitchens and warm up the formula I’ve mixed. It should be room temperature.”

Lathwen nodded and said, “ I know what to do, don’t worry. We’ll be fine.” With one last pat on the head (directed toward the babies, not Lathwen) the former nanny went away, leaving them alone in the meadow.

Lathwen balanced the babies on her hips while walking toward the tree. She sat down with a sigh and placed both babies on her lap. “ Shh…hush little ones…hush. Everything’s all right…all is well. Shhh…” Lathwen continued to comfort the twins until they stopped crying and started to look at her, eyes bright with curiosity.

They had light colored fuzz on their heads and blue eyes. They were extremely adorable with their pointed ears and little hands and feet.

Antien’s face was still red and scrunched up, like he had tasted something horrible. Tirion, however, was rocking back and forth, his little fists waving in the air as he gurgled happily. He started bouncing up and down in Lathwen’s lap, so Lathwen placed him on the short soft grass. Tirion looked bewildered for a moment, taking in his new surroundings. Then he laughed in the silly way babies do. Lathwen looked down at Antien who was watching his brother’s adventures with a wide-eyed look.

Suddenly, Antien smiled and started wiggling in Lathwen’s grip. She set him down and grabbed Tirion, plucking some flower petals from his mouth in the process. Hoping to keep both of them occupied, Lathwen picked up the hem of her long dress and hid her face behind it. “ Peek-a-boo!” She said with laughter. Antien smiled widely and bounced some more on the grass, but Tirion made a grasping motion toward her skirt.

Lathwen laughed as Tirion teetered into a sitting position and clapped his hands. Antien, seeing his brother getting a lot of attention, crawled over while chirping, “ Yuglac ah! Ah! Ah!” Lathwen’s laughter was interrupted as she heard a cracking noise.

She swiftly looked over at Tirion who had broken pieces of a twig in his chubby hands. He looked absolutely surprised at what he had done, and stared down at the pieces, then shoved one in his mouth and started chewing on it. Suddenly he made a face and threw the twigs away, giving Lathwen the chance to pluck the bark residue out of his mouth and place her in his lap, saying, “ No Tirion…those do not taste good! Bleeagh!”

Antien giggled and clapped his hands together, trying to mimic her face. “ Leeeugh!” He said while screwing up his face to look like hers. Quite pleased with his new nonsense word, his face lit up with a happy light and he proceeded to repeat the word over and over again, “ Leeeugh! Leeeugh!”

Lathwen was distracted as something pulled her hair hard. She looked at Tirion who was tugging curiously on her midnight colored hair. She bent forward so the ordeal would be less painful.

Tirion burbled happily and waved his hands in her hair, getting them tangled very quickly. Lathwen winced as several strands were pulled out when Tirion tugged his hands free. He blew at the wave of dark colored hair and giggled in delight when it waved in the spitty breeze. Again, he began tugging at Lathwen’s long hair and very soon was tangled again, an amused expression on his face.

Lathwen winced…there was only so much mauling her hair and scalp could take. She gently untangled Tirion from her now wet and snarled hair and placed him on her lap, bouncing him up and down. Tirion giggled and clapped his hands, screaming, “ Euglech tat! Plagh!” Lathwen looked around for Antien while Tirion babbled to her in his baby talk. Lathwen quickly got up and held Tirion in one arm while walking toward the middle of the meadow where Antien had managed to crawl.

He was examining a slug curiously, and didn’t look up until Lathwen was there. Antien joyfully smiled and then picked up the slug with his fingers, promptly dropping it afterwards. His face grew rapidly pink and he waved his little clenched fists about when his toy crawled away.

He was about to go after it until Lathwen picked him up and balanced him on her hip. He then found that the ribbon on her neckline was more interesting than the slug and started chewing on it.

Lathwen removed the damp fabric from the baby’s mouth and said, “ No, no Antien. This is not what you eat little darling.”

Antien reluctantly clung to Lathwen’s dress, looking around as she walked toward the kitchen’s to wash his hands off. Slime from an insect would not be a very appetizing thing for a baby to eat, for it would most certainly be one of the most contaminated and unhealthy things.

One thing was for sure, when she was with the twins, she forgot her troubles and worries. It was like a burden had been lifted from her shoulders…like a shadow had been cast away.

***
A day or two. Ha.

Those days had turned into a week, and a week into another. Sarethiel was frantic with worry, sobbing at the slightest thing, for her husband was supposed to arrive with Antien and Tirion’s uncle. Lathwen and Lily were growing more and more concerned and slightly anxious to be gone.

The elves had sent out a search party once, and they had returned with no news. All of the warrior’s in Lothlorien were now on the hunt for news and clues. Lady Galadriel had tried looking in her mirror, but it was ‘clouded’ as she put it. She couldn’t scry them. Just a few hours ago a group of ten hardened warrior’s had gone out in search of the lost party once more.

There was something interesting about it though…Lindariel, the female Sarethiel helped, was panicky to…apparently her lover and soon to be betrothed had disappeared. She had spent a whole week wailing loudly and lamenting about how she had loved him and he had loved her. Lathwen was surprised that many elves rolled their eyes at this and walked away. Sarethiel had later explained that her supposed ‘lover’ didn’t really love her like she thought, but she refused to believe it.

So now, Sarethiel, Lily, and Lathwen were waiting for the return of the search party at the edge of the woods, standing in a silent vigil along with the rest of Lothlorien. Antien and Tirion were quiet for once, their huge eyes riveted on the woods as if they to knew what was going on and were worried. Lathwen had put a bonnet over her braided hair, not caring that the elves thought this strange. It served a dual purpose though, it shaded her eyes from the blinding morning’s sun, and it provided the twins with something to play with when they were bored.

Lathwen shifted uncomfortably…she needed to use the chamber pot…her monthly courses had started yesterday. Antien let out a loud gurgle in the heavy silence, but nobody turned, they stared sightlessly out into the forest, as if the strength of their gazes could pull their loved ones from the oppressive deep.

A birdcall caused a collective gasp to go up among the elves. They all held their breath until finally, a group of dirty, grim warrior’s poured out into Lorien’s entrance. Cheers and the sound of crying rang throughout the clearing as loved ones were reunited.

Lathwen looked among the warrior’s and saw that the rescued ones looked more ragged and haggard than the search party. She gasped and almost dropped the twins in surprise as she saw who one of the rescued elves was. Tirion looked at her in annoyance, but then focused back on the crowd.

“ Where are my two fine nephews?” Glorfindel roared and a pair of hands (she couldn’t see whose) took the twins and handed them to Glorfindel who smiled and laughed with a mixture of amusement and relief.

Sarethiel was embracing her husband, tears streaming down her cheeks. Gently, he wiped them away and kissed her softly before breaking away and leading her to Glorfindel who was holding his nephews. /Dear gods! *He* was the uncle?!/ Lathwen thought as she watched Tirion and Antien bask in the affections of many cooing elves.

As if that didn’t shock her enough, Lindariel pushed through the crowd and cried, “ My love! You return!” She flung her arms around Glorfindel, but he didn’t try and stop her. Perhaps it was because he was holding Tirion and Antien in both arms that he didn’t push her away or pull her closer. To her surprise, he offered Lindariel a quick kiss on the cheek, which caused her to draw away from him at last, a smugly satisfied smile on her face.

Lathwen heard a snicker at he side and turned to see Lily standing there, observing Lindariel, “ No wonder the elves rolled their eyes…this is just ridiculous.” Lathwen snorted and said, “ Lily…this is *Glorfindel* whose here now…you know, the one who was chasing us, the one who pushed me to a ground? This is a perfect time to disappear.” Lily nodded reluctantly and followed Lathwen back up the path and on the many empty staircases to their talan.

Lathwen quickly changed and pulled on her green tunic and brown leggings (which had been returned to them a while back) and fastened her cloak on. She placed her quiver and bow on her back, placing food and full flasks in their packs while Lily got ready.

Together, they slipped out of their talan, leaving a note on the bed thanking the elves for their generosity and hospitality. (Lily wrote it…Lathwen’s handwriting wasn’t all that neat)

They walked silently to the stables, but they got a surprise on the way. The lady and lord were strolling toward them, speaking softly to each other. Lady Galadriel called out, “ Lily! Alanessa! Where are you off to?” Lathwen answered, “ I’m sorry my lady, but Lily and I must go now…we have stayed for far to long. I hope we helped you while we were here though…we are very grateful for all you have done for us.” Lily chimed in, “ Your hospitality and kindness to us strangers was amazing! We thank you.”

Voices could be heard a little ways off, coming closer and closer. Lathwen shifted on her feet and said a bit tentatively, “ My lady, we don’t want any questions that will slow us down…so if we could—” The lady smiled softly and said, “ Of course young ones. You may leave. Your work here was greatly appreciated…more than you know. Go with our blessing, and may your road be swift.” Lathwen and Lily bowed with one more heartfelt thank-you, and walked toward the stables where Wildfire and Rosethorn awaited.

***
Lathwen led the way out of the stables onto the path. She turned to Lily who trotted next to her and said, “ That is something I’ll never forget. This whole stay is something I’ll never forget.” Lily nodded dreamily, “ It was wonderful…the garden was amazing Lathwen! You should have seen it!” Lathwen gave a wan smile and said, “ I hope Tirion and Antien will be okay…Glorfindel was supposed to make arrangements for them.”

“ And so I have.”

Lathwen looked sharply to her left where a crowd of elves stood, blocking their path. She looked at Lily who was mouthing curses into her lap. A smirk shadowed her face, but then she made sure it was expressionless as she turned to Glorfindel who was at the front of the group with Lindariel clinging to his side.

He stepped forward and said, “ I’ve heard what good care you have given them. They’re staying with you.” Lathwen’s mouth dropped open, “ WHAT?! HAVE YOU GONE MAD?!” Lindariel snarled, “ You will do as he says!” (Very bad move…)

Lathwen’s eyes flashed and she growled in a dangerously low voice, “ No one…NO ONE tells me what to do Lindariel…ask your beau if it is not so.” Lindariel looked confusedly at Glorfindel who nodded in agreement, “ I met with her with my group while we were traveling toward Imladris.” Lindariel’s face turned sour, but Lathwen didn’t give her a chance to say anything.

“ And another thing…I’ve seen how you abuse Sarethiel mentally. You WILL stop!” Lindariel turned pale and seemed to shrink under the crowd’s suspicious glares, “ She lies! The mortal lies like all of her kind do!” Lindariel shrieked, stabbing a finger in Lathwen’s direction.

“ YOU THREATENED TO HARM HER HUSBAND IF SHE TOLD ANYONE YOU COWARDLY IMMORTAL!”

Sarethiel’s husband wrapped an arm protectively around his wife’s waist. He glared daggers at Lindariel who looked as if she were about to faint, “ Lies! ALL OF IT IS LIES! THE MORTAL WISHES TO SPOIL MY NAME BECAUSE SHE IS JEALOUS OF ME!” Lily snorted loudly and laughed, “ Well that’s a new one! Pray tell why she would be jealous of the likes of you?”

Lathwen smiled crookedly at Lily and said to Lindariel, “ Wisdom flies from Lily’s mouth. Why would I be jealous? You are here, with no adventures to have, you see the same people everyday, you have no freedom, and worst of all…you are supposedly ‘betrothed’ to the very elf that tackled me to the ground and followed us all the way here!”

Lindariel sputtered in outrage and turned toward a bemused Glorfindel, “ You! You! You deceived me my love!” Glorfindel shouted at equal volume, “ Betrothed?! Is this what you’ve been telling everyone Lindariel? How dare you lie!”
“ How dare you deceive!”
“ I did not deceive you! We had nothing Lindariel…do you hear me?! NOTHING!”

A dead silence followed, in which you could only hear Lindariel sobbing as she fled through the crowd. Glorfindel turned wearily toward a shocked Lily and Lathwen. " That was a bit harsh, if I do say so myself." Lathwen said quietly.

He was holding Antien and Tirion who were crying because of all the shouting. Glorfindel tried to comfort them but it was no use. Lathwen sighed and slipped off of Rosethorn, stalking in an outraged way toward Glorfindel. She took the twins and soothed them with soft tones. Almost instantly Tirion stopped crying and buried his little fists in Lathwen’s hair, pulling it out of the braid. She didn’t even grimace as Antien latched onto the top of her tunic and pulled himself up to look over her shoulder and wave delightedly at Lily who giggled and waved back.

“ They are babies…still children Glorfindel. What are you thinking?! They need a safe, stable environment while they grow…I will be traveling. They cannot stay with me.” Lathwen said in a firm voice that dared everyone to go against her wishes.

Slowly, Lathwen kissed the top of each fuzzy head and squeezed them hard, once before handing them back to Glorfindel, mounting Rosethorn, and riding away through the parted crowd with Lily, trying to ignore the sounds of the twin’s cries as she rode away, trying to stop the tears that flowed unchecked down her cheeks.

***
Aha, but there is a valid reason that Lindariel is so bitter towards Sarethiel. That will also be revealed at the end of the story. Come to think of it, to many things are revealed at the end...I'll be sure to tone that down. But anyway, thanks for the advice!


Chapter 12 - Why Do We Live?

Disclaimer; I only own the people whose names are Lathwen, Lily, and Eothain. The rest Tolkien can have.
Note: I know its been a long time, and please don’t think that I’m slacking off…its just that since it’s the holiday season, I’ve been cooking, baking, wrapping, boxing, decorating, making cards, shopping, and the like.

Glorfindel winced as a piercing cry echoed in his talan. His nephews were being cared for by a different elf-maiden, and apparently, they didn’t like it. They wanted Alanessa back. Normally Glorfindel would have taken them into his own talan and cared for them, but tonight he had to think, and think hard at that.

There had been whispers among the elf-maids, the young, old, and in between. He had heard bits and pieces of their conversations as their words floated on the air. They had been talking about Alanessa’s words to Lindariel…what she had said about having no adventures and so little freedom. Her speech had stirred a longing in the maiden’s hearts…a longing to be free and go wherever they wanted to go.

Glorfindel sighed and rubbed his temples…three maids had left undercover of night; Manwathiel, Nestariel, and Edhelwen. Manwathiel was Sarethiel’s best friend…it was strange that Sarethiel didn’t seem worried at all.

Many had questioned Sarethiel about the disappearance of the three maids, and she had only said in that calming way of hers, “ Manwathiel will return, have no fear. The other two have gone to see what they are missing.” Glorfindel could unravel those words and what they meant. Nestariel and Edhelwen had gone to see their freedom and everything else out there that they had missed in their lifetimes. They had gone to join Alanessa and Lillian.

Glorfindel frowned at the thought of his adversary, Alanessa. He was grateful for what she had done for his nephews…very grateful. But she had no right to go about and cause maidens to disappear after her. She had caused a quiet rebellion among the elf-maids.

Something in their manner and way of thinking had changed, and it seemed as if they were somewhat disappointed or disgusted by males treated them. He had personally over heard one of the servants say that she was surprised at how long she had put up with being ordered around.

But then, only small portions of the elf-maids were truly serious about it. Among most of them, any thought of rebellion had fled away, and they were back to their usual demeanor and standards.

Glorfindel admired Alanessa’s courage in a way…he admired that she had the strength to think for herself, but wasn’t this a little drastic?

He sighed again and heavily walked out of his talan to comfort his nephews…if he could.

***
Lathwen’s face was wet with salty tears. She and Lily had been riding hard for quite some time, about two days…now they were stopped at a split in Nimrodel, and they would turn to the right and follow the river Limlight to the edge of the Fangorn forest.

Lathwen wiped at her tears impatiently…she had cried a lot after they had left Lothlorien. She knew why to, she missed the twins and the feeling of being wanted and loved. She also felt sad for the inhabitants…she had seen their haunted faces during hard times.

Lily walked over to Lathwen’s side and stood with her. Lathwen sighed and said quietly, “ I don’t understand.” Lily asked, “ Understand what?” Lathwen sat down on the grassy bank and answered, “ Why I feel so much pity for the elves of Lorien. They have everything we mortals’ don’t, and yet, I pity them because I know that they are immortal and they have lived through so much war and worry. I can’t believe I ever wanted to live forever.”

Lily crossed her legs as she sat next to her friend, “ We all did once upon a time. Elves carry a burden though, and most of their kind would say that our mortality is a gift…we don’t have to watch those we loved most wither away and die.” Lathwen nodded, “ Sometimes I wonder why we live if we have to loose so much. You live and love, then you loose, which is hard for us mortals too…not only elves.”

“ We live because it is our chance to do good…anywhere else Eru created is most likely already perfect…we have to prove ourselves worthy of the mortality he gave us, I suppose.” Lily answered.

Lathwen leaned back on her elbows and stared at the afternoon clouds in the bright blue sky, “ Then why do the elves live? They aren’t mortal.” Lily pushed back stray strands of her hair, “ To help us, to help others. They have to prove themselves to get into Valinor I guess. Why else would any of us be here if not to prove ourselves?”

Lathwen sighed again and flipped over onto her stomach. She watched a beetle crawl on a leaf while she twirled a blade of grass between her fingers. “ This was so stupid of me.” She said simply, “ This whole trip is just foolish.”

Lily shook her head emphatically and said forcefully, “ No Lathwen! Never say that! This journey got you to a better place, it helped you discover what else is out here, and it’s done so many other good things for you! How can you say its foolish when you deserve the chance to get back what your uncle stole? You deserve a better life Lathwen, we both do. I told you that before.”

Lathwen flapped a hand and dropped the blade of grass, “ I *know* that! I do believe what you say Lily, but sometimes I wonder…is my inheritance really worth all of the pain and suffering we’ve gone through?” Lily was silent.

Lathwen sat up and brushed the specks of dirt from her clothes before standing up. “ We should get going.” She said to Lily who sighed reluctantly and walked back with Lathwen to the horses.

Ah. The horses.

Lathwen gasped and she heard Lily curse from between clenched teeth. They were gone. Without a single hoof beat or whinny, they had gone. How could they not have heard them? WHERE WERE THE HORSES?!

Lathwen groaned loudly and sat on the ground, resting her forehead on her knees, “ This is *not* turning out to be a good day.” She said to herself. Lily let out a loud noise of frustration, which echoed through the empty plains. “ We do *not* need this right now!” She shouted to the sky.

Lathwen stood up and looked around, no hoof prints. Great. Just great. “ No hoof prints…no sounds…nothing. And we don’t have time to go looking for them.” Lathwen said in frustration. She thought for a moment then asked, “ Hey Lily…do you remember any elvish that was used to call the horses?” Lily shook her head, shamefaced. “ I remember nothing of elvish.”

Lathwen nodded, and fought to keep down the panic, “ That’s okay…oh wait…no, its not. The horses had our food, water, and map in the saddlebags.” Lily groaned and Lathwen slapped her forehead with her hand. (Yeah, I think they’re in a bit of a dilemma…)

“ But we still have our weapons,” Lily said, “ So if we went after them we’d be protected and we could shoot our dinner if we have a need. I think we’re both good enough shots now. And honestly Lathwen, who cares about the time limit? We’re already behind the planned schedule so who’s gonna care if we waste some more time?”

Lathwen smirked in spite of herself, “ You’re right.” She said, “ Let’s try looking in those woods over there first.” She pointed to their right. Lily nodded and started running towards the forest, Lathwen at her tail.

***
“ This is absolutely ridiculous.” Lathwen grumbled as they made their way through yet another mud pit blocking their progress through the woods. Lily rolled her eyes, “ You’ve said that before.” Lathwen shot her friend a playful glare, “ I know. And you agreed with me.” Lily nodded, “ That I did, but I also mentioned that we should save our breath for the rest of this little search we’re doing.” She suddenly let out a squawk and Lathwen pulled an arrow from her bowstring, thinking an enemy, like the cloaked man, had come back to haunt them.

But it ended up that Lily was fine, she was just pointing to some tracks in the mud. They were hoof prints, one pair a bit smaller than the other, “ Wildfire’s definitely smaller than Rosethorn.” Lily said almost to herself.

Lathwen nodded impatiently, “ But we saw more of their tracks a while back…and headed in a different direction. Don’t you get the feeling that someone thinks its fun toying with us?” Lily snorted and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like the name, ‘Glorfy’.

Lathwen shook her head; “ ‘Glorfy’ and company are back in Lothlorien last we saw them…they won’t bother with us anymore, especially not since— HOLY ERU!”

She had turned around and instantly stepped backwards…three horses were barreling toward them at top speed. Atop the horses were three maidens…*elven* maidens by the looks of their ears. They all wore green shirts, and brown leggings…just like Lily and Lathwen. They looked quite worn and flushed from their journey.

“ Er…hello?” Lily said tentatively as the three slowed to a halt near Lily and Lathwen. One of the maidens nodded toward Lily, dismounted and walked toward Lathwen, holding out a scroll. “ I am Manwathiel, a messenger from Sarethiel,” She explained, “ She sent me to deliver this to you.” Lathwen gasped, “ Sarethiel?! How is she?” The elf-maiden smiled, “ She is with child.” Lily and Lathwen grinned like idiots, “ Tell her congratulations!” Lily said enthusiastically. The elf-maiden smiled and nodded, “ I will do that.”

Lathwen opened up the letter and read it quickly. She turned to Lily and said, “ Okay, so…Sarethiel says that the other two with Manwathiel wish to join us on our journey, and that Manwathiel is willing to be an envoy to keep us in contact no matter where we are, and no matter where she is. She says that she is fine, and that it seems our freedom has stirred a longing to travel among some of the elf-maids. She says that only two are willing to join us now, the others are indecisive. She wishes us luck, and says to visit her soon.”

Lily stood in shock for a few long moments, her mouth working but no sound coming out. Finally she said, “ Er…great. Oh my, what a bunch of news to take in.” Lathwen looked at Manwathiel and said, “ Thank you so very much Manwathiel…we accept your offer to help us. But keep in mind that you can stop whenever you want, and that you don’t have to do this…you have a choice.” Manwathiel nodded and said, “ This is my choice. Perhaps later on it will change, but for now, this is how I wish it to be.”

Lathwen smiled and gave the scroll back to Manwathiel. “ Tell her thank you and that we are very grateful for her kindness. Oh, and will you tell her where we are right now? We’re heading toward Gondor and making good progress.” Manwathiel nodded and mounted back on her horse and said ‘farewell’ to the other two elf-maidens and the two humans. She cantered away, her long hair shining in the sun.

Lily looked at the other two elves left and grinned, “ Welcome to an endless journey of muscle torture.” Lathwen rolled her eyes, but the elves laughed along with Lily. Lathwen said, “ That’s Lily for you…but we don’t know your names.”

The short (short in elven terms…not human terms), delicate looking elf-maid on the right said, “ My name is Nestariel, and this is Edhelwen.” She motioned gracefully to a very tall, jolly looking elf whose hair seemed to glow like a halo. “ Hello!” Edhelwen said, her gentle voice simply bubbling with energy and happiness, “ You are Lillian and Alanessa, correct?”

Lily and Lathwen glanced at each other. Lily said, “ Just call me Lily.” Lathwen stepped forward and said, “ Um…funny story…my name isn’t really Alanessa.” Nestariel shrugged with a forgiving smile, “ We figured that.” Lathwen grinned and went on, “ My real name is Lathwen, not Alanessa. So please, call me whatever you want.”

Edhelwen snickered and said, “ Anything? How about Lathie’…or ‘Nessa? Or maybe Allie…” Lily and Edhelwen burst out laughing while Nestariel rolled her eyes at Lathwen who was trying not to grin. She said in a mock stern voice, “ Anything but ‘Lathie’ please…sounds like you’re calling a dog.”

Edhelwen stopped laughing and said with a twinkling light in her eye, “ Of course…Nessie.” Lily thought, “ Sounds like Bessie…old Bess! That’ll be her new name! Ha!” They dissolved in laughter once more, and this time, even Lathwen and Nestariel had to join in. It was so nice to be laughing again, even if it was over a completely non-humorous thing.

Edhelwen said after their moment of cheerfulness vanished, “ So, where do we start?” Lathwen sighed and said, “ I don’t mean to rope you guys into this to fast, but we have a bit of a problem.” The two new recruits waited.

Lathwen sighed and said, “ As you may already know, we’re going to Gondor. Perhaps an hour back, Rosethorn and Wildfire, our horses, vanished.” Lathwen held up a hand to stem the flow of questions, “ And no, it’s not because of our lack of vigilance, thank you for showing you complete confidence in us Edhelwen.”

Edhelwen closed her mouth with a playful smile and Lathwen went on, “ We didn’t hear any sound or movement, and we couldn’t find any tracks until a minute or two back. So we followed them and they disappeared for a while until they appeared again, then disappeared, then appeared going back the way they came. This time going in a completely different direction.”

Nestariel dismounted with Edhelwen and said gravely, “ Sounds like someone took them and is playing with you…any elf-trained horse wouldn’t wander like that.” Lily gave her a confused look and she explained, “ Ridhion from the stables noted that one horse was obviously elf-bred and told Sarethiel who told us.” Lily nodded her understanding.

Nestariel rubbed her forehead and said, “ If we could just lure them in somehow…” Edhelwen’s eyes were grim as she said, “ I think I have the perfect plan…”


Chapter 13 - "Glorfy's" Return

Disclaimer; I own Lathwen and her cohorts, and that is all.
Note: I’ve been toying with this chapter, wondering if this is really a relevant way to get an elf angry enough to chase you…don’t criticize to harshly on this chapter please…though any new idea’s would be appreciated!

“ You’ve got to be joking.” Nestariel said flatly. Edhelwen shook her head, “ How else are we going to get them close enough so we can hold them back with daggers?” Lily shook her head, “ Absolutely not!” Lathwen snorted and crossed her arms, “ I did the dagger thing once, and believe me, that elf wasn’t happy afterwards. I agree with having to lure them closer, but I’m not sure about the whole plan…isn’t that sort of…devious in a wicked way?”

Edhelwen shrugged and said, “ They were devious to get your horses…and do we have any other plans?” Reluctantly, the others shook their heads. Nestariel wrinkled her nose, “ Edhelwen…how you come up with these things is beyond me.” Edhelwen smiled, “ I happen to have an older sister.”

***
Lathwen bit her lip to keep from opening her eyes and telling everyone how bored she was. She had to keep pretending she was asleep. The plan wouldn’t work otherwise. She heard Nestariel toss about and mumble in her sleep…well, fake sleep. Once Nestariel had softened up, she turned out to be a good actress.

After a lot of whining, arguing, and begging, Edhelwen had gotten the others to agree to the plan. They had all waited till night came, then they settled down for the night near the spot where Lathwen and Lily had camped before going off on their search for the horses.

Edhelwen had instructed them on what to do for the first half of the plan, and then coaxed Lathwen to coach the rest of them because she had experience in the area, however limited, which came into play during the second half. The dagger filled half.

Lathwen heard soft voices and fought not to tense her muscles up. Judging by how quiet they were, she knew they had to be elves. /Immortal’s *again*? This better not become a habit./

She heard Nestariel murmur once more before going back to a silent-false-sleep mode. Lathwen’s heart beat faster, but kept her breathing deep and even. She then heard several males exclaim loudly and struggled not to laugh.

Edhelwen had made everyone take off their cloaks and lie on their bedrolls in a sweet, seemingly peaceful way. She made everyone take out their braids or ponytails and leave their hair streaming down behind them. Nestariel had rolled here eyes, “ Here comes the wicked part.” Edhelwen shrugged in a way that told them that she didn’t like this part anymore than they did…but it was vital for the plan to work. If the vital (and really wrong) part worked, the whole plan would work…they hoped.

So now Lily, Lathwen, Nestariel, and Edhelwen were lying on their bedrolls, teasing the males without moving or saying a word. Lily’s bronze shoulder was showing, as was Nestariel’s. Lathwen’s tunic had ridden up, exposing part of her toned, flat stomach. Edhelwen was lying on her stomach, her tunic arranged so that part of her pale back was bare.

“ Males aren’t immune to charm.” Edhelwen had said. Lathwen shot her a disgusted look, “ This isn’t charm! It’s a state of being half undressed and trying to seduce men who will probably run away screaming like five-year-old girls! Besides, what if it isn’t men? HMM?” Needless to say, the others had agreed with her. “ Who else would steal horses out here? We are the only females venturing places in case you haven’t noticed. Look, if it works, we won’t have to make anymore plans again.” Edhelwen had pointed out.

The elves talked quickly and quietly before going silent. Lathwen knew they were taking the horses because she could hear a sudden snort from Nestariel’s mount, then soft words in elvish being spoken. Nestariel turned over again and muttered something again, causing the flow of elvish words to halt as all elves waited on red alert to see if Nestariel was awake.

A few minutes passed before Lathwen could hear the hoof beats starting up again. /They are *really* patient./ Lathwen thought in amazement. Suddenly, a warm pair of hands picked her up…definitely NOT part of the plan or what they expected.

Nevertheless, she sprang into action…opening her eyes, grabbing a dagger concealed in her sleeve and holding it against the elf’s throat. The elf cried out and Lathwen pressed it more firmly against his throat to still him, “ Put me down.” She whispered in a firm voice. Slowly, the elf placed her on the ground, and she managed to keep her blade in place.

As she had done with Glorfindel, she went behind him, but twisted his arm up so in one move she could break it. “ Don’t even think about moving.” She breathed into his ear.

Nestariel cleared her throat and Lily coughed…signals that they had gotten a captive. Edhelwen cleared her throat after a moment more, and Lathwen nodded to herself.

“ All right girls! We did good!” She shouted, hearing the elves quiet speech and hoof beats halt once more. Nestariel snickered and Edhelwen let out a giggle. Lily said in the quiet, “ I can’t believe they fell for it again…” Suddenly torches were lit, the sudden light causing Lathwen to blink. She closed her eyes for a moment until the colorful spots she was seeing were gone.

Lathwen surveyed the scene…an elf holding the horse’s reins, three more walking with their weapons drawn, and the four elves that were being held captive. Lathwen looked at the elf she was holding and gasped, “ HOLY ERU!”

Ridhion snorted but grinned, “ Surprised?” Lathwen looked at the other three; they were all holding strange elves that she had never seen before. Every single elf here was strange except for Ridhion.

“ Oh honestly.” Lathwen sighed and let her dagger drop. “ Lily, Nestariel…you can drop yours. Edhelwen, keep a tight grip like I told you…can’t have a ransom slipping away now can we?”

Lily face Ridhion and put her hands on her hips, “ What in Arda possessed you? I thought you were a friend!” Ridhion didn’t answer the question but rubbed his throat and said, “ No doubt you already know, but Nestariel and Edhelwen are from the Golden Wood. They are wanted back home…where they belong.” Lathwen’s temper flared, “ On whose orders?!”

“ Mine.” Glorfindel stepped into the clearing along with several other elves, all with weapons drawn. Lathwen groaned in frustration. Glorfindel glared at her then walked over to Ridhion who grinned and said, “ You were right…she has a strong grip for such a little thing.” Nestariel and Edhelwen gaped at Lathwen. “ So *he’s* the elf you did this to before! Dear Valar, I’m surprised you didn’t get beheaded!” Edhelwen exclaimed.

Lathwen shrugged, “ I suppose it was my ‘charm’.” She said, putting emphasis on the word ‘charm’. Edhelwen snorted and rolled her eyes, shifting her grip on the elf that was trying to get away, “ I’ll have none of that.”

Lathwen faced Glorfindel and said heatedly, “ WHAT DO YOU WANT YOU BLOODY FOOL?!” Glorfindel raised an eyebrow but didn’t answer. Lathwen went on, “ We haven’t done anything to harm you or anyone else in Lothlorien, I took care of your adorable nephews who I hope won’t inherit the same attitude as you, all I’m doing is traveling to Gondor…so why, *why*, WHY are you following us?!”
“ Curious are we?”
“ WHY DO YOU THINK I’M HOLDING ONE OF YOUR MEN WITH A BLADE TO HIS NECK?! DESPITE RECENT RUMORS, I DON’T DO THESE THINGS ON A WHIM!!”
“ Really? Sounds like you’d be the sort.” (*Very* bad thing to say there Glorfy…)

Lathwen lost her temper even more than she had in the past. She had been very paranoid ever since she left Bree, and this creepy elf following her didn’t help matters. She wasn’t going to be forced to do something she didn’t want to do. And she sure as heck was tired of this elf!

She curled her hands into fists and said, “ You don’t have a real reason do you?” Glorfindel opened his mouth but Lathwen interrupted him and shouted, “ You want a reason to chase me?! You’ll get a reason!”

She stalked forward and throughout the clearing you could hear a loud ‘crack’. She heard Edhelwen gasp, but ignored her. On Glorfindel’s face was a red handprint where Lathwen had slapped him.

She screamed like a maniac, “ You are a high and mighty, arrogant, conceited, foolish immortal who needs to get off his high horse! Your mother slept under a monster! In fact, YOU are a monster to! You’re a vile and biased elf who treats mortals as if they were the scum of the earth!”

Lathwen walked over to the speechless, shocked, elf with the horses and snatched the reins from his hands. “ ROSETHORN! WILDFIRE!” She hear whinny’s in the distance.

She hoped that Glorfindel was livid with rage, and in fact, he was…his face was turning pink with anger and she could see that his eyes were pinpoints of rage. “ I suggest you and the foolish women who followed you say that you are sorry. You all are delusional if you think—”

“ DELUSIONAL?!” Edhelwen squawked in an outraged way, “ I don’t think so!” Nestariel glared at Glorfindel, “ Foolish? Ha!”

Rosethorn and Wildfire galloped into view, their saddlebags swinging. Lily grabbed Wildfire and mounted up, while Nestariel mounted onto her horse and so did Edhelwen, releasing her captive who looked quite relieved.

Lathwen jumped onto Rosethorn and said, “ You’re just some stalker and probably someone whose head isn’t quite right! In fact, I *know* you aren’t right in the head! You are such an orc-mannered, selfish pig that I can’t even believe I’m still in your presence!” Lathwen trotted over to him and roared, “ In fact, I refuse to stay in your ugly presence any longer!” Lily shouted, “ LA—er…ALANESSA! CONTROL YOURSELF OR WE’LL ALL BE SHOT!”

Lathwen looked toward Lily and said, “ I don’t think so…they have to much honor to shoot innocents…you’ll all be spared.”

She leaned over and plucked his jeweled knives from their sheaths on his back. She held them up and gave a wolfish grin. Glorfindel reached up and grabbed her wrist, twisting it so she cried out in pain.

“ Give-them-back.” He said in a cool, even voice, but each word dropped like a chunk of ice. Glorfindel’s friends winced; this girl had enraged him beyond anything they had ever seen. Valar, was she going to get it…

Lathwen wrenched her wrist from his grip and spit in his face. Glorfindel wiped the spit away and slowly, deliberately drew an arrow from his quiver and notched it in the bowstring.

He pointed it at Lathwen’s face and said, “ I mean now, mortal! And if I were you I’d apologize.” Lathwen gave him a dazzling grin, “ That’s why you aren’t me!” She said brightly and placed the knives in a saddlebag.

“ Now I know why you’re not right in the head…when you were a baby your poor parents dropped you in surprise because you were so ugly. Did your parents die of shame?”

Glorfindel snapped. He threw his bow and quiver on the ground and leapt toward Lathwen, pulling her off of the horse.

He pushed her against Rosethorn and said, “ It is taking all of my patience not to loose my temper wrench!” Lathwen was used to this language, she got it all of the time when she was at the tavern, but somehow, it hurt coming from him “ And you’re not?” She said ferociously before pushing his chest hard with both hands, giving her time to mount Rosethorn and say tauntingly, “ Catch me if you can!” Before riding off with Edhelwen, Lily, and Nestariel at her sides.

***
They stopped a half-hour after Lathwen’s little spat with Glorfindel to camp near the middle of River Limlight. Thankfully, they were more than halfway there already.

Lily said to Lathwen, “ I can’t believe you did that! Do you realize the danger you’re in?! He knows where you’re going, and you just insulted him beyond anything I’ve every heard before! What were you thinking?!” Lathwen shrugged, stinging from Lily’s disapproval, “ I’m sorry if I put you all in danger Lily, but he just gets me so angry!”

Lily shook her head and said in exasperation, “ It’s not *us* I’m worried about Lathwen! It’s you! You are our leader…our captain! You’re our friend and companion…what would we do without you?”

Lathwen felt tears come to her eyes…yes, she had been foolish. But her friends forgave her and were only worried about her, not themselves. Their loyalty and bravery astounded her. She was touched.

Nestariel said, “ Well, I for one, am glad Lathwen said what she did…it might have scared them away.” Edhelwen shook her head, “ Not after she said ‘catch me if you can’. But still,” She grinned, “ I applaud your sense of bravery…I approve completely.” Lathwen gave a weak laugh and wiped a tear from her cheek.

Lily sighed and patted Lathwen on the back. Lathwen smiled before saying, “ So naturally, we’re all enemies of the elves of Lothlorien now…or at least, I am.” Nestariel shook her head, “ Not all of them…only Glorfindel. We all are enemies now because we follow you. But believe us Lathwen, we don’t mind. We’ll follow you no matter what.”

Edhelwen nodded, “ That’s right…we will stay by each other’s sides until death do part us. Besides,” She added with a wry grin, “ Glorfindel needed to be taught a lesson…it was getting annoying hearing nothing but ‘Glorfindel’, ‘Glorfindel’ all the time from the elf-maidens in Lorien anyway.”

Lily grinned and pulled out a dagger from her saddlebag. She unsheathed it and made a cut in both of her palms. She cleaned it off with a cloth and handed it to Nestariel who did the same and passed it to Edhelwen. Lathwen was slightly confused, “ Er…what’s going on?” Lily glanced her way, “ It’s a blood-oath…something the elves did long ago, and some still practice it today. Just wait, Lathwen…you’ll see.”

Edhelwen passed the knife to Lathwen, and she made a cut in both of her palms also, wincing slightly as the cold blade cut into her flesh. She put the blade down along with the cloth and watched as Lily joined hands with Edhelwen and Nestariel, who joined hands with Lathwen.

Lily closed her eyes and said, “ Companions together, friends forever…” Nestariel took her turn and said in her lilting voice, “ Warrior maidens put to the test, to prove themselves strong to men, and the rest…” Edhelwen said, “ Hunted we are, though hunters we be…”

Something deep inside of Lathwen’s soul stirred and caused her to finish the incantation though she had no notion of how or why she said it, “ To help each other in times of strife, to stay each other in death and life…” Together the group said, “ I promise to love my sisters, though parted we may become. I promise to cherish and aid them all, in dark and light times to come.”

The light that had stirred was fading, until it died completely, leaving Lathwen feeling as normal as she had been before. Lathwen smiled weakly, “ That was interesting…I’d never taken part in a Blood-Oath before.” Edhelwen grinned back, “ It’s something rare.”

Lathwen nodded and looked down at her hands. There was no mark or scar, or any sign of blood. She gasped, “ But…there…there’s no blood!” Nestariel nodded, “ There’s never any mark left afterwards.”

Lathwen’s mind was suddenly seared with a vision of Glorfindel riding hard on their trail, his mouth set in a thin line, anger…fury really, blazing in his bright blue eyes. Lathwen groaned and sat down, “ He’ll come after us, he’s furious…and you all got roped into this because of my mistake! Curse it!” She knew better than to ask them to leave to save themselves when they had just promised to stand with each other.

Nestariel drew the map from Lathwen’s saddlebag and examined it. “ It will be a race for Gondor then…we should get to Fangorn as quickly as possible, we might be able to loose them there.” Edhelwen added, “ There are also many orcs who wander there…we’d best be on our guard.”

Lathwen shuddered, more of those swarthy goblins. Lovely. She groaned and stood up, stretching her back and leg muscles. “ Let’s get a move on then…we’ve still got a few hours before evening.”


Chapter 14 - Outlaws Race

Disclaimer; Lathwen and her mad/brilliant plans plus her associates on her journey are mine.
Note: Thanks everyone for the feedback on the last chapter! It’s a keeper!

Edhelwen was the one who saved them all from going insane with worry. Her endless supply of cheer and humor kept each and every one of them in stitches. She had also established Lathwen’s new nickname…Bessie. Of course, Lily being Lily, called Lathwen Old Bess.

The two elves fit into the group with fluidity and ease, speaking their minds without blinking if someone disagreed or was skeptical of their plans. Lathwen’s confidence and freedom had given the whole group a whole new outlook on the way they had been living before…bound in chains. (Metaphorically speaking of course…)

But even now, Lathwen looked strained. The elves were coming closer she knew…and they couldn’t do anything about it. Or could they?

***
Nestariel thought a moment, “ They already know that we are going to Gondor Bessie…I don’t see how we can possibly avoid them forever.” Lathwen’s face was bleak, “ We’ll manage.” Lily spoke up, “ There are many enemies of men who know where the men reside…if the men can survive, why can’t we?” Nestariel snorted, “ Because we lack the experience.” Lily sighed in mock dismay, “ Besides that…we all have training with weapons, we can go on a forced march for a long time thanks to Lathwen’s heroic efforts to kill us with exhaustion…”

Lathwen grinned at the familiar jibe…Lily wasn’t complaining, in fact, no one ever did anymore. They were all used to this new life…well, Nestariel and Edhelwen not so much, but then again, they were tougher than the mortals.

It was evening now, and the stars were beginning to light the sky with their small, but bright flame. The endless fields of grass around them whispered hauntingly as the wind swept through them.

Edhelwen sighed, “ It’s a bit odd without having tunics to wash though. And I miss my friends back in Lorien…all my family has sailed away to the Undying Lands.” Lathwen saw Nestariel nod in agreement and said, “ I understand. I miss my home to Edhelwen. You do know that you can return any time you wish…I’m not forcing you to stay here against your will.” Edhelwen shook her head, “ No. I wouldn’t go back for all of the dwarves gold…most of it would probably be cursed anyway, but still…”

Lily laughed softly, “ Perhaps your friends will join us sometime soon.” Edhelwen nodded slowly, “ Perhaps.” Lathwen turned her face to the sky and tried to hide her remorse for what felt like pulling them away from everything they held dear. Lathwen sighed; she had forgotten elves lived with so much sorrow.

Edhelwen said in a more cheery tone, “ How far back do you think the elves are?” Lily shrugged, “ How do we even know that they’re chasing us?”

Lathwen snorted, “ Well, considering I committed treason against a famous elven warrior, what else would they do? They’d probably get some reinforcements and—oh no! Edhelwen, Nestariel…do you think they would tell the Lord and Lady? Or Lord Elrond of Imladris? Or maybe they warned Gondor! I’d forgotten that Glorfindel most likely has friends in high places!”

Nestariel answered, “ Bess! Calm yourself…yes, Glorfindel probably has friends he will alert to our coming wherever we go, and when Edhelwen and I left, we heard that the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood already knew that you had insulted Glorfindel and Lindariel back when you were still in Lorien—” Lathwen rolled her eyes to the sky and groaned, “ Lovely.”

Nestariel gave her a stern look and continued, “ But that doesn’t mean we can’t deal with it. It may sound strange, but I’m feeling a bit rebellious...” Lily nodded, “ I’ve always wanted to be an outlaw…to lead a life of romance and adventure. By the way, who was it who asked how far back the elves were?”

“ I did.” Edhelwen volunteered in a confused voice, “ Why do you ask?” Lily turned in her saddle to face the darkness behind them all, “ Well, judging by the lights I see…they aren’t far off.”

They all turned around and gasped (cursed in Lily’s case). “ We can’t outrun elves.” Lathwen said, “ So I suppose the race begins now.” Edhelwen set a grim expression about her merry eyes and nodded, “ Ready?” Lathwen nodded and said, “ We ride hard to Fangorn girls! Let’s go!”

Lily let out a whoop and all four of them loosened their reins, urging their horses from a walk to a canter. Lathwen didn’t want the horses to be exhausted just yet…they’d need their energy for the last lap of this dangerous race.

The wind whipped mercilessly at their faces, drawing liquid from their eyes and spilling it down their red cheeks. Though their legs felt as if they were on fire, they drove themselves harder and harder, the elves eventually falling further and further behind them. Lathwen’s ankle felt like it was swelling again…to bad considering it had been doing all right these past days.

Lathwen could see the determination in each of her sister’s faces, but she could also see how this would tax them in the morning. Not to mention the horses. She could hear her own disjointed breathing as they forced themselves to go farther and farther down the river Limlight’s bank.

Lathwen looked back and saw no lights…nothing. Of course, they could have blown the lanterns out, but what was the point after Lathwen and the others already knew that they were there?

Lathwen reined in Rosethorn to a trot and called a halt to their fast pace. Nestariel began to say something, but Edhelwen interrupted with a shout, “ I can see them! They aren’t using light anymore! Bessie, we have to go! And quickly!”

Wearily, Lathwen nodded and kicked a tired Rosethorn into a gallop this time, and breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the forbidden edges of the Fangorn come into view.

***
It was midnight. The girls had stopped at the Fangorn’s edges a little while ago, resting and eating…keeping watch for the many creatures that wouldn’t hesitate to murder them all.

Nestariel said absentmindedly as she poked at the fire, “ For an ill-mannered warrior, he isn’t all that bad looking…don’t you think?” Lily choked on the water she was drinking. Edhelwen sighed loudly and said in dismay, “ Not you *to* Nestariel! I heard enough of that to last me a lifetime back in Lorien…” Lathwen shrugged, “ He’s an elf. No elf is bad looking if that’s what you mean.”

Nestariel nodded and added, “ I feel somewhat bad for him…after what happened with Faelwen.” Lathwen was puzzled, “ Who’s Faelwen?” She asked. Nestariel gazed at Lathwen, surprised, “ You mean you do not know the story? Glorfindel had but one lover before Lindariel.” She paused for a moment before plunging into the tale.

“ Faelwen was a warrior maid. Like us I suppose. She had freedom and adventures, and the other elven warriors respected her ability to fight, and fight well with level-headedness. She was quite the swords master I heard…she and Glorfindel met during a battle ironically. But I’ll skip to the important part.” A pained look came over Nestariel’s face.

“ I saw her body being brought back to her family in Lorien. She had gone with the March Warden’s and Glorfindel to respond to an orc attack on the southern borders. They say that she died defending Glorfindel. For he had an arrow wound in his arm, and while he was picking up his bow, which had fallen to the ground, an orc came up behind him and was prepared to plunge a dagger into his back. They say that before the killing blow was struck, Faelwen leapt over Glorfindel and engaged the orc in combat. However, she made the mistake of looking behind her at her love, Glorfindel, and in that moment…” Nestariel’s voice quivered and she squeezed her eyes shut for a moment before going on in a soft voice, “ In that moment, the orc stabbed his sword into her heart, then ran away, screaming in victory.”

Nestariel wiped a tear away from her face, “ Glorfindel ran to his dying love, and held her in his arms. She knew she was dying, and before she passed, she told him how much she loved him. Her life’s blood had spilled onto the ground and Glorfindel. Rage overcame his features, and he went about on a rampage, killing ever orc in sight. He even chased down those who fled away. He has never really gotten over that day…he has never forgiven himself for not being able to help my cousin.”

Lathwen blinked at that last line, “ You cousin was Faelwen?” She asked gently. Nestariel nodded silently. Lathwen placed a comforting hand on Nestariel’s shoulder and said, “ You and Edhelwen should go to bed…Lily and I will keep watch.” Edhelwen shook her head firmly and with a fierce expression said, “ Not a chance Bess. You have had a long day, and no doubt the days will be longer the closer we get to Gondor. I will take first watch with Lily. At least try to rest.”

Lathwen nodded wearily and spread her bedroll out near the fire. She took her bow and quiver from her back and placed them within her reach. Sighing, she lay down and watched the stars twinkling above, hearing snatches of Lily and Edhelwen’s whispered conversation before falling into a dreamless sleep.

***
Lathwen felt someone shaking her shoulder and crying urgently, “ Lathwen! Awake, awake! It’s the wolves! Draug!” Instantly, Lathwen forced herself to rise quickly. She quickly grabbed her arrows and bent her bow. She looked around…yes, there were wolves. Perhaps fifteen or so. Edhelwen and Nestariel had their swords out, blades flashing dangerously in the moonlight. Lily was shooting at a wolf that was charging from Nestariel from behind.

Lathwen placed an arrow on the bowstring and let it fly, watching in satisfaction as it hit a wolf with a ‘smack’. Her smile faltered as the wolf only staggered, but didn’t fall. Now she frowned and let loose another arrow, which killed it. Lathwen continued to shoot at the wolves, and it always took two or more arrows to bring them down.

During the battle, nothing else mattered to her but the enemy she was facing. Lathwen’s face became set, looking as if it had been chiseled out of marble. She saw nothing but the many wolves that were surrounding her and her sisters’. Her arm burned and she felt weariness threatening to overcome her, yet she pressed on.

Lathwen shot one last wolf through the torso, wincing as it gave a gurgling growl and fell to the ground, remaining still. She was breathing heavily as she looked at her companions who looked pale, but otherwise unharmed.

“ Well,” Lathwen started in the heavy silence, “ That’s one way to wake us up…but judging by the moon’s position, it was my turn to take watch anyway.” Edhelwen smiled slightly and Lily yawned, feeling the last of the battle fever trickle away.

After Lily and Lathwen had gathered their arrows, (which were different so they were easy to tell apart) Lathwen and Nestariel positioned themselves a ways away from the fire to keep watch.

***
Lathwen rubbed her aching thigh as she sat atop Rosethorn with Nestariel, Edhelwen, and Lily at her side on top of their horses. They had gotten through the night with no more disturbances…thankfully.

“ So, it’s off to Rohan then girls…then its straight and clear to Gondor.” Lathwen said as they set off. They all cheered, but quickly stopped as the noise echoed through the dim and dense Fangorn.

They had finished following the Fangorn’s border, and now were keeping straight on course, hoping they wouldn’t go astray. Lathwen had taken advantage of their silent trip to ponder the new information Nestariel had given out just the night before.

Glorfindel had a lover, and felt that she had died because of him. Was it a guilty conscience that propelled him to keep wandering away from the place she originated and follow Lathwen? She didn’t know…no one except Glorfindel did, and he wouldn’t tell for his life she knew.

Lathwen sighed and shifted in her saddle; he was like a coal that had been sitting in the fire for a while. He was tough and easily set off (temper wise) and he was merciless, just like that burning coal if you happened to brush against it. It would burn you as punishment.

She knew that though he knew where she was traveling, he didn’t know what she would do afterwards. So until she was finished with her business in Gondor…she and her outlaw band of women were at the mercy of this burning coal.


Chapter 15 - Inheritance...and an Announcement

Disclaimer; I am only borrowing Glorfindel/Elrond/Erestor for a while, much to my dismay. However, to my credit, I own Lathwen, Lily, Eothain, and everyone else who wasn’t mentioned in Tolkien’s writings.
Note: MINAS TIRITH! FINALLY! Think this is the end? Guess again…

Ridhion sighed in amusement as he watched his captain Glorfindel stomp around, harshly correcting those who had made one little mistake in his presence. That wild girl had gotten him riled up beyond anything anyone else had ever seen. In fact, it was somewhat frightening to see the elf lord loose his temper. (I’d pay big bucks to see that…)

Ridhion grinned as Glorfindel muttered something under his breath, eyes glinting in the sunlight as he stalked over to Maetherion, second in command. He watched as Maetherion tried to calm the elf lord, speaking reassurances.

With another heavy sigh, Ridhion got back to saddling his horse…they were at the Fangorn Forest, and the girls weren’t there. They had found the carcasses of wolves not far off, which surprised all except Maetherion and Glorfindel. No one else had ever seen these maidens in action, so they were surprised that they could shoot.

A shadow shaded Ridhion’s head as he put his dagger in his saddlebag. He was going to hunt them down…but he didn’t want to. He felt that the ladies deserved freedom to, even if for a little time. They certainly deserved more credit than they were getting.

Glorfindel had roused messengers to go to Edoras and Gondor, spreading the news of these wild outlaw maidens. The people of Imladris and Lorien already knew of these girls. Glorfindel was sure that to Edoras they would go.

The people of Edoras and Gondor had been told that they were to be kept alive if captured...he had also told them that the maidens weren’t dangerous at all, so there was no need to be frightened if they appeared. Somehow, Ridhion got the feeling that they wouldn’t be captured…none of them.

***
Lathwen waited anxiously on the edge of her seat…er…saddle.

It had taken all-next day and half of the night to reach Edoras. Well, they were really just outside of Edoras’s walls, keeping to the shadows. They had camped there until dawn broke. You see, Lathwen didn’t know if Rohan would be welcoming or not…she didn’t know if word of them had already spread, so she didn’t want to be noticed just yet.

Nestariel had volunteered to go inside and do a bit of listening in. So in the light of the morning sun, Nestariel had pulled out a homespun, rough dress and apron from her saddlebag and put it on. Lathwen had gasped, “ You brought…” Nestariel’s eyes twinkled, “ Yes, Edhelwen and I brought different kinds of clothes…costumes, you might say. Before we set out to find you, we were sure to take everything we would need.” Lathwen silently thanked the gods for blessing them with people as levelheaded as Nestariel and Edhelwen.

It was afternoon, and Nestariel had been inside for quite a while. “ Should we go after her?” Lily asked nervously. Lathwen bit her lip, “ I’ll bet she was recognized. Yes Lily…we’re going in…undercover.”

Edhelwen pulled out a rough dress, very much like the one Edhelwen had, and gave it to Lily. She pulled out one more and said, “ This is the last one I have. The others are with Nestariel.” Lathwen waved her hand impatiently, “ You put it on…I’ll go like this.” Her head jerked around as she heard hoof beats coming towards them.

Nestariel was frowning, trotting towards them. Lathwen urged Rosethorn forward to greet her friend. “ What took you?” She asked, “ Are you alright?” Nestariel nodded, “ I’m fine, but I don’t suggest we go in there. The people don’t seem hostile, but they have been warned of us…also, its not so lively there…we’d stick out like a sore thumb.”

Lathwen grunted and pulled out her map. She studied it for a moment before saying, “ What if we passed around Edoras and then went left to Anorien? I don’t know what that place is like, but I’m sure its better than here.” (Glorfy didn’t send a messenger to Anorien…)

Edhelwen closed her eyes for a moment before answering, “ There is not much in Anorien except for the beacons warning system that Rohan and Gondor have established. Looks like we won’t need to put on any disguises if we travel there.” Nestariel looked at Edhelwen confusedly. Edhelwen shrugged, “ I listened in on my father’s conversations with my brother.”

Lathwen digested this information and said slowly, “ Surely there will be guards at the beacons though.” Nestariel answered, “ We’ll be able to avoid them I’m sure.” Lily shrugged and said, “ We have enough food and whatnot…let’s get going.”

***
(Eight days have passed)

Lathwen breathed a sigh as they passed out of the Firien Wood. Though that must be the safest forest ever created, she had grown tense, as the days had passed without a single sign of a human inhabitant. They hadn’t passed any beacons yet, which caused Lathwen to wonder at the accuracy of Edhelwen’s words.

There was nothing to bother them except for the occasional animal, which was a relief…they didn’t have to put those itchy dresses on.

Lily and Edhelwen were meters ahead, scouting out the area. Nestariel said suddenly in the quiet, “ Glorfindel has absolutely gotten to Edoras and Rohan by now Bessie…no doubt about it. Since he didn’t find us there, he’ll assume we’ve hurried on to Gondor.” Lathwen nodded, “ He’ll most likely question inhabitants…if they saw you, they’ll report it. And if they say that you left from where you came, he’ll know we didn’t go that way.”

Nestariel nodded, “ He’ll most likely get to Gondor as fast as he can to meet us there.” Lathwen answered, “ Or he’ll track us…whichever is more convenient for him.” They both looked at each other, “ Gondor.” They chorused. Lathwen spurred Rosethorn ahead to meet Lily and Edhelwen with Nestariel at her side.

Lily frowned at them, “ Is something wrong? An attack?!” Lathwen hurriedly shook her head, “ No, no…nothing at all. Nestariel and I have just been discussing which way Glorfindel went…we’re thinking he’s going as fast as he can to Gondor so he can sabotage us there.” Lily bit her lip, “ He’ll have to wait a while…we still have quite a ways to go before we reach Minas Tirith.”

Edhelwen added, “ No doubt we’re closer to Minas Tirith at the present time.” Lily nodded, “ I have no doubt we can reach it before he can…if we try hard enough.” Lathwen groaned, “ I’ve enjoyed not rushing Lily…” Nestariel said, “ But she’s right you know…we should hurry…just in case.”

Lathwen looked up and scanned the distance with a gasp. She pointed to a tall structure, “ Is that a beacon?” Edhelwen nodded, “ Yes. Here’s the point where we should race to get away from them…before the guards recognize us.” Lathwen nodded and whispered to Rosethorn, “ We’re close my friend…be brave, stay strong.” With that, she urged Rosethorn into a canter, not willing to have the horses run full out just yet.

***
Lathwen spurred Rosethorn to a gallop as they passed the last beacon. Edhelwen let out a cry of joy as they rushed past, their horses weary from the many long days that they had rode to pass the other beacons.

They slowed only after a mile or so had passed. They panted from the long run as Lathwen brought out her map and dismounted. “ Looks like the Greywood is at our right, and a bit further down, still to our right, is Stonewain Valley. Thank the Valar! We have only a day and night of traveling to reach Minas Tirith!”

Lily dismounted and jumped up and down, cheering. Edhelwen let out a whoop and clapped her hands. Nestariel punched a fist in the air and cheered.

Lathwen grinned and put the map away. “ We’re almost there! Let’s not stop now!” Edhelwen crowed. Everyone mounted and cantered joyfully towards the Stonewain Valley, which had Minas Tirith next to it.

Lathwen thought of Glorfindel’s progress…what was he doing right now? Where was he? Were he and his tired group celebrating because they to were so close to their destination? A sudden pang of pity gripped Lathwen’s heart as she thought about what she had said and done to him. She shouldn’t have done that…she shouldn’t have made him suffer after what happened with Faelwen. (Lathwen has the amazing capability to forgive and forget, as you will soon find out…)

***
Lathwen and co. saw the Stonewain Valley approaching fast as they rushed toward it that night. Upon seeing it, Lathwen urged Rosethorn on, taking heart from the landmark. When they reached it, they sent out cheers and whoops into the still and calm night’s sky.

Lily quickly hushed everyone, silently pointing to their left where the tall, wide, huge, impregnable, and in any other way impossible to describe, fortress of Minas Tirith.

Lathwen felt her heart leap and pound harder as she realized that this was where her fortune lay. Well, the key to her inheritance anyway…Dolithiel, the healer, was but someone who would give her a clue as to who the man was who kept her inheritance.

Lathwen urged Rosethorn into a trot, and headed for the great gates of the forbidding city with Lily, Edhelwen, and Nestariel behind her. Guards stood watch at the gate, a few on each side. Lathwen pushed back the hood of her cloak, and out of the corner of her eye saw the others mimic her.

Rosethorn quickly neared the guards at the gate, and Lathwen reined her to a stop as the guards took notice of her and put their hands on their sword hilts in warning. Lathwen looked at the guards and said firmly and directly, “ I must speak with Dolithiel, the healer. It is urgent.” The guards looked at each other and a slight chuckle rippled through the night air.

Lathwen’s eyes narrowed and she said icily, “ Is there something wrong gentlemen?” She longed to say, “ Perhaps I could fix it with a sharp slap across your mouths,” but she stayed silent after her first question. One guard stepped forward and said, “ Pray tell why four maidens are traveling alone and unaccompanied by men at this time of night.”

Lathwen rolled her eyes…that particular question had apparently become quite popular among the questioners she had met. She answered, “ We’ve traveled very far, my lords…I am here to see Dolithiel…the others have joined me out of the goodness of their hearts. You would not want our journey to be in vain, now would you?”
“ Why do you wish to see Dolithiel?”
“ For goodness sakes man! If you must know I am here to ask her something, now will you let us see her or not?!”
“ No.”

Lathwen narrowed her eyes and let a hiss escape from between her clenched teeth. “ I take it you’ve received many messengers these past days, haven’t you gentlemen?” She said in a dangerously soft voice. The man grinned, “ That we have miss Alanessa…if that be your true name.”

“ So you’re just going to agree with them? For goodness sake, we aren’t dangerous at all! We don’t have any intention of harming you or your people…so what’s the problem with letting us in?” The guard shrugged, “ Apparently you all are to be captured.” Lathwen asked, “ Is that what you intend to do?” The guard nodded silently.

Lathwen sighed and said, “ Fine. We haven’t done anything wrong so we won’t resist the capture and get ourselves into a true mess.” The guard’s masked expression fell to show a shocked visage. Lathwen heard confused whispers among the rest of the guards at the gate.

“ However,” Lathwen continued, “ Can it hurt to let us speak with Dolithiel before we get captured? Someone could stay with us to make sure we aren’t planning treason or anything, because I can tell you all are thinking we’re wanted for some crime.”

The guards looked at each other uneasily, and upon hearing murmurs of ‘what could it hurt’ and ‘as long as someone’s with them wild lasses’ she grinned rather charmingly. “ Please?” Nestariel spoke up, fixing a pleading, sweet expression on her elven fair face.

The guard who had questioned them was rather startled by the turn of events. He looked at the group of ladies long and hard, and finally said sharply, “ Fine. Follow me…but remember, there are guards posted everywhere…you have no chance of escape, so do not try anything foolish.”

Lily caught Lathwen’s eye and grinned as she remembered the day they had first escaped from the elves wrath. Lathwen turned back to face the guard who was going through the gate already, “ Of course not.” She murmured half to herself as she urged Rosethorn through the open gates.

Lathwen looked about her and gasped…the stonework, the gardens; the magnificence of it all was enough to leave her breathless. She found it beautiful…the stone was perfectly cut and fit exactly as it should. Garden’s overflowed with colorful blossoms and herbs…you could tell because torches were lit and hanging on the stonewalls.

The guard led them to the left and they met another gate with yet more guards. They also met with a third, fourth, and fifth gate which led them deeper and deeper into the city. The scenery from such a high vantage point distracted Lathwen as she tried to memorize where they were going, which wasn’t all that hard.

The guard led them to a sixth gate and stopped, turning to face them. “ We are here now.” Is all he said before having the sixth and final gate opened. He led them in and Lathwen’s eyes went wide. There were stables and lodgings to her right, and a structure that she didn’t recognize to her left.

The guard swiftly led them to that structure and said, “ This is the House of Healing…if any warrior or inhabitant of Minas Tirith is wounded, they come here for healing and rest. Leave your horses here.”

Lathwen was bewildered until she realized that they were going inside. “ And your weapons.” The guard said pointedly. Lathwen reluctantly dismounted and tied Rosethorn’s reins to a hitching post. She hung her bow and quiver from the saddle horn, but left her concealed dagger where it was in her sleeve, strapped to her arm.

They stepped inside and Lathwen instantly blinked, getting her eyes adjusted to the dimness. Silently, the group walked down the many halls until they came upon a middle-aged woman with graying hair hurrying down the hall with bandages in her arms.

She looked up and curtsied when she saw the visitors (as best she could with her arms full). The guard bowed slightly and said, “ Lady Dolithiel…these ladies wish to have a word with you.” The lady looked at them all suspiciously, “ I haven’t seen you before have I?” Lathwen shook her head and said in a maidenly like tone, “ No Lady Dolithiel…but I believe you know my uncle…I wish to speak with you about him.”

Dolithiel motioned that they should follow her as she entered a room. The guard who had led them inside shut the door and stood guard on the outside. Lily, Edhelwen, and Nestariel also remained outside of the room with the guard.

Inside the room there was a bed with a sleeping small boy on it. “ Nasty fevers this one.” She said gently as she soaked the bandages in herb tinted water, folded them, and placed them on the little ones head.

She wiped her hands on a towel and said to Lathwen, “ What was it about your uncle you wished to know dear?” Lathwen began, “ My uncle’s name is Adrian…I believe five years back he came here and threatened you quite badly.”

Dolithiel’s face paled and she said in a whispered voice, “ You’re his niece…your inheritance, you—” Lathwen nodded, “ Have come to get it back. My uncle is a cruel man my lady, but do not let him frighten you when you are this far from his reach.”

Dolithiel nodded slowly and said, “ My dear, you do know that I gave it away…don’t you?” Lathwen nodded, “ I need to know who you gave it to though.” Dolithiel sighed and said softly, “ As a matter of fact, I gave it away to a man named Eothain…and he kept it for a good three years until he came back to Gondor and gave your inheritance back to me. I’ve been keeping it ever since.” Lathwen asked urgently, “ Where is it?”

Dolithiel motioned for them to calm down, and she said, “ Well dearie…I keep it with me all the time.” Slowly, the older women reached down and pulled a ring off of her hand, and unclasped the necklace that adorned her throat, handing them to Lathwen. Then she slowly reached into her dress pocket and drew out a band of silver, a small, teardrop shaped ruby in the middle.

Lathwen took the three items, looking bewildered. Dolithiel smiled fondly at the girl before her and said, “ My dear, the ring is made of silver and gold bands intertwining. The necklace is also silver and has a ruby pendant. The band is silver with a ruby also. It was meant to be worn about the head dearie.” The cheery woman was unusually grave as she placed the circlet on Lathwen’s head. “ It compliments you.” She said with satisfaction as Lathwen put on the ring and necklace, which had a short chain. (It was a choker)

Lady Dolithiel said, “ And of course, there are plenty of gold coins…here love…I made sure no one would ever find them.” Dolithiel lifted the hem of her skirt and started taking out the thread of the altered hem. She only took out a section of it, then she shook it out, and coins fell to the floor in a shower of gold.

Lathwen helped Dolithiel pick them up, and she then placed them at the pouch at her waist. Dolithiel smiled, “ And of course, your mother and father gave you a good strong character and name, along with your material inheritance…be glad dearie, for most are not as lucky as you are.”

Lathwen nodded slowly and said earnestly, “ Thank you ever so much Lady Dolithiel…you have no idea how much it means to me that you kept these safe…” Dolithiel flapped a hand and smiled, “ Go now dearie…I’m sure your friends grow impatient.” She bustled back to the boy who had woken and now needed tending to. Not wanting to be in the way, Lathwen slipped out of the room and met the girls and the guard outside.

The guard gawked as Lathwen exited the room with all of her finery on. The girls just grinned widely; hardly keeping in their exclamations of joy…their journey was over now! Or was it?

Lathwen looked the guard firmly in the eye and said, “ Let us go. My business is done here.” The guard hastily nodded and fixed on his distant mask once more. He led them outside where they got their horses ready again. Lathwen took that opportunity to whisper something to Lily who nodded and whispered it to Edhelwen who whispered it to Nestariel. The guard’s back was turned as he conversed with another, so he neither saw nor heard them.

They mounted on their horses as the guard turned around with a hard expression on his face. “ Apparently there are a group of elf lords waiting for you at the Great Gates. They tell me that you are wanted for assaulting, stealing, and—” He stopped short at Lathwen’s wild, catlike grin. “ Really? Let’s pay him a visit then girls.” With a whoop, Lathwen galloped off at a high pace, her group of outlaws behind her.

She let out a battle cry as she charged toward the sixth gate, watching in amusement as the guards hastily opened the gates for fear of being trampled. Lathwen repeated this tactic until they got to the second gate, also the second to last. With a loud, bloodcurdling chorus of battle cries, the women burst through the Great Gates and galloped past the bewildered guards and group of elves sitting there.

Lathwen urged the others ahead, but she herself turned to face the elf lords (Glorfindel among them) and the guards.

She said in loud tones so her voice could be heard, “ We meant no harm, and yet harm came to us. We are here to help, and yet many are against us. We are the outlaw maidens of Arda my lords…let only the foolish try and find us, and the dim-witted try to capture us.”

With one last whoop, Lathwen turned and galloped after her friends, soon catching up to them. The elf lords and guards tried to follow on foot and by horse, but some magical speed and strength brought the maidens ahead by far, and sped them to a safe place…a little known forest on the borders of Gondor, in which they rested for the night.


Chapter 16 - Nothing Is Simple...Certainly Not Love

Disclaimer; Tolkien owns most of the characters in my story.
Note: I was in a teary mood, which may account for the many heartstrings pulled because of this chapter. Sorry those of you out there who don’t like sad stories…but I can’t have all my characters drunk on adventure all of the time.


Glorfindel frowned at the night’s sky, lamenting the loss of something he had wanted for a very long time. Family. Someone to hold, and someone to love. He sighed and curled up as he sat with his back against a great oak tree on the edge of the Greywood…a ways away from the rest of his group who were near the Stonewain Valley.

He sighed and rested his weary brow on his knees for a moment before looking up at the dark sky and whispering fiercely, “ Why? Why did you do this to me? I had done nothing wrong! What did I do to deserve this punishment?!”

He was lamenting the loss of the chance at starting a home…a household full of light and laughter. Filled with happy children and a content wife sitting and playing by the warm fireplace, telling stories and sharing moments of laughter. All of this had been swept away in one single thrust of a sword.

He was now doomed to a life of misery and wandering…watching his kin and those he knew suffer, sail away, and die. Glorfindel’s hands curled into fists and he felt a tear drift down his cheek, though he tried to hold them back. He didn’t want to live in Arda any longer.

Why hadn’t he faded when his love was killed, and his heart lost? He was so close to dying from grief…why hadn’t he? The Valar had other plans for him perhaps…or maybe they took sport in watching him suffer through every minute of every day.

Perhaps, they were toying with him, seeing how long it would take for fate to snatch him in its paws and bear him away to the Halls of Mandos. Perhaps, just perhaps, they held no pity in their hearts…and if they did, he wasn’t included in a group worthy of their sympathy.

***
Lathwen was contemplating what she…they…would do now that her mission had been fulfilled. Lathwen sighed and unconsciously touched the necklace at base of her throat. She needed a moment alone to think.

Lathwen rubbed a temple then stood up and said to the others, “ I’m going to ride Rosethorn just for a bit…I promise I won’t go far.” Lily looked troubled, “ But the Greywood is near here…no doubt the land is simply crawling with guards!” Lathwen smiled, “ I’ll be fine Lily.”

She swiftly saddled Rosethorn and mounted up, leaving the heavy saddlebags full of food and water with Lily, Nestariel, and Edhelwen. The only thing she took was the bag with her map, the odds and ends that the Ragwort’s had left in there, and Glorfindel’s…that abominable elf lord…daggers.

Mindlessly, Lathwen cantered out of the small section of woods and out into a clearing, which separated the Greywood from where she and her friends were staying. She wandered with Rosethorn all about the meadow, sometimes galloping and sometimes walking, depending on what Rosethorn wanted to do.

Lathwen looked about, appreciating the lush landscape. But then…something at the edge of the Greywood caught her eye…yes, there it was again. A shape, a figure of someone was curled up beneath one of the large trees.

Curiously, Lathwen dismounted and tied Rosethorn up, bringing her bow and quiver with her. She silently, stealthily made her way towards the figure, her weapons ready just in case.

Lathwen ducked behind one last tree, and peeked out. She nearly gasped out loud at what she saw. An elf…head resting on bent knees, rocking back and forth with silent sobs.

Seeing this distress and vulnerability, Lathwen felt waves of pity, and felt her own eyes mist over with tears. Carefully, Lathwen crept over till she was standing right beside the poor elf. She bit her lip as she recognized Glorfindel…the one who had made her life miserable from the very day she first laid eyes on him.

Throwing aside her weapons, Lathwen knelt beside him quietly, and tentatively placed her arm around his shoulders. She jumped in surprise as Glorfindel turned and nestled into her side, like a child would to its mother. His forehead rested on her shoulder, so she could feel the tears soaking her tunic.

All doubt that he was truly hurting was gone now, and Lathwen tenderly placed her other arm around him, rocking him back and forth, stroking his golden hair like he was her very own child. Glorfindel stopped his tears, and, without opening his eyes, rested his forehead in the hollow of her neck.

Lathwen sat there without complaining at how long it had been…she waited until Glorfindel was silent and had ceased his shivering. He suddenly lifted his head and opened his eyes, which widened as he saw Lathwen before him. “ Are you all right my lord?” She asked with some concern. Glorfindel nodded silently, his expression still one of surprise.

Lathwen moved to get up but was stopped as Glorfindel reached out and grabbed her hand, stopping her from going. “ Please…wait.” He said softly, once again curled up against the tree.

Lathwen gracefully assented, sitting by his side once more, though not touching him this time. Glorfindel looked at her and asked, “ Why is the leader of the Outlaw Maidens here?” His tone was gentle and teasing, much different from the hardened warrior Lathwen had witnessed.

She grinned and said easily, “ Rosethorn and I were out riding, until I saw someone here…” Glorfindel sighed and said, “ Elven grieving is much different than mortals.” Lathwen bristled, but pity took over her heart and she said soothingly, “ But we understand, my lord. I know elves do not usually suffer as much as we do because of death…but when it comes to death among the elves…we simple, weak, ignorant mortals understand.”

Glorfindel sighed, “ Nothing is simple anymore. We cannot even ride in the lands of our birth without being endlessly followed by worry and fear.” Lathwen’s eyes strayed to his and bright blue met grey. Lathwen blushed and looked at her lap. “ Where are your men?” She asked, “ They’ll be wondering where you are.”

He shook his head silently. “ I’ve always wanted a loving wife, children to care for…a family to bring light to my life.” Glorfindel said bitterly. “ But instead I’ve been cursed with the responsibility of caring for many lives…burdened with the task of helping to rid this land of its enemies and impurities.”

Lathwen was startled by this heartfelt confession. She looked with pity on the weary elven figure before her and said, “ Cursed? No, my lord, its an honor to be put in charge of so many…Lord Elrond must trust you greatly. Bear in mind that even with a family you may have this job.” Glorfindel smiled, making Lathwen’s heart flutter. “ An elf taking advice from a mortal? Times have changed.”

Lathwen rolled her eyes, “ And they still are changing my lord.”
“ Glorfindel.”
“ Pardon?”
“ Call me Glorfindel, Alanessa.”
“ Seems a bit familiar coming from the very mortal woman who insulted you, stole from you, and spit on you, wouldn’t you say?”
“ I’m willing to forgive you that.”
“ My lord, I don’t even know you, and you don’t know me. How can you possibly—”

Glorfindel interrupted her, “ But I do know you…better than you would guess.” Lathwen snorted, “ Please…you don’t even know my proper name, much less…” Her eyes widened at her mistake, and she instantly clamped a hand over her mouth. Glorfindel laughed softly, “ What is your real name then?” Lathwen bit her lip, “ My name,” She said almost to herself, “ Is Lathwen.” Glorfindel thought a moment, “ A beautiful name.” Lathwen felt her cheeks turn red, much to Glorfindel’s amusement.

His eyes sparkled with laughter as he went on, “ You are forgiving and able to forget, you have a taste for adventure, and you have a certain love for sarcastic, witty humor.” Lathwen snorted, “ Anyone would have been able to figure out most of that if they spent ten minutes with me.”

Glorfindel went on, “ You are loving, merciful, you have a big heart for one so young, and I think you enjoy my company more than you’re letting on.” Lathwen couldn’t help but laugh at the mischievous look on his face as she began to stand up.

Rosethorn let out a shrill whinny that filled the wood with clamor. Surprised, Lathwen tripped over a tree root and fell across Glorfindel’s lap. She lay there for a moment while Glorfindel laughed. She rolled her eyes in annoyance and got up, brushing herself off. Rosethorn let out a whinny again, causing Lathwen’s head to jerk up as she tried to spy her mount.

If she hadn’t been so busy looking at her horse, she would have seen the yearning on the elf lord’s face, as he looked her up and down, eyes roving her slender frame.

Lathwen didn’t see anything, but still said quickly to Glorfindel, “ I must go my lord…” “ Glorfindel.” Lathwen raised an eyebrow but said, “ Goodbye Glorfindel.” And she sprinted off into the darkness, taking her bow and quiver as she went.

Glorfindel sighed heavily after she had left…her visit had left him hungry for contact…just a single gesture, like a hand on his shoulder made him happy. For no one touched him at all…everyone treated him with respect and awe…everyone except Faelwen…but she was gone.

He had relished her hold on him, the bliss unimaginable. He missed the fact that no one would give him even a friendly pat on the back since Gondolin. But Alanessa…Lathwen rather, had treated him like a normal human being. He liked that.


Chapter 17 - Friend Or Foe?

Disclaimer; How many more of these do I have to write? Eh…well you all know the drill. I don’t own Tolkien. Not doing this for money.

“ You did WHAT?!” Lily screeched in shock as Lathwen described the scene she had witnessed and how she took part in it. Lathwen sighed and said, “ Lily, I couldn’t just leave him there! He was suffering!” Lily snorted. Lathwen glared at her, “ It’s not my fault my heartstrings are easily pulled!”

Edhelwen said softly, “ But Bess, because you did this, he’ll know we’re still in the area…he’ll try to find us.” Lathwen shook her head, “ Not after the conversation we had. Girls, you have to understand…he was actually pleasant and friendly during our conversation! I couldn’t let that opportunity go.” Nestariel frowned, “ But he may still be a foe. That could have been a trick Bessie.” Lathwen started…she hadn’t thought about that.

Lathwen slowly sank down on her bedroll near the fire, “ I’m so sorry girls!” She said, “ I hadn’t thought about that.” Lily, who had softened up, waved the apology away, “ It’s what any of us would have done Old Bess. Don’t worry about it.” Lathwen shook her head firmly, “ But I do worry about it! He knows we’re close!”

Nestariel answered, “ But we’re in a small forest that is always overlooked. He’ll expect us to be traveling away back to Imladris or Lorien. And Bess, I’ve been thinking…” She sat up straighter and looked at the other three, “ What do you think about staying here? We could establish headquarters here…”

Lily clapped her hands together, “ Perfect idea Nessie! No one will suspect we’re here!” Nestariel blinked at the nickname, but then grinned slowly. Lathwen smiled to, and said, “ You know what? When I was talking to Glorfy there, he asked what the leader of the ‘Outlaw Maidens’ was doing there. Seems like we’ve also established a name for ourselves…like it Lily?”

Lily grinned, “ It fits.” But she quickly lost her smile, “ What will we do if our headquarters are here? Will we build a shelter? And how will we build it? None of us are carpenters or architects.”

Nestariel sighed, “ We’ll have to build a permanent shelter…there’s no other way we can survive the winter without going to a different settlement and risk being caught.”

Edhelwen nodded and said, “ Well for starters, we’ll need to choose an area that’s hidden and not easy to find…and who ever said we needed to build a shelter ourselves? I’m sure there’s some caves around here.” Lily snorted, “ Yeah, but Valar knows what lives in them.” Edhelwen shrugged, “ We’ll find an empty one.”

Lathwen sighed and looked around, “ We should wait ‘till morning though. No sense in getting ourselves in deeper trouble because we couldn’t see in the dark.” Edhelwen frowned, “ You know what? We really need to find a way to make candles or torches or the like. We can’t be stumbling round in the dark forever.”

Lily answered excitedly, “ I know how to do that! I made candles for my father all of the time!” Nestariel nodded, “ Good. Now we’re getting organized.” Lathwen said, “ We also need to make sure we leave no traces of where we were behind…no telling what Glorfindel might find if he should come looking.” Edhelwen nodded, “ That’s a good idea…he has unusually keen eyes…even for an elf.”

***
“ In here! Come quickly!” Edhelwen shouted, waving her drawn sword at everyone. In the small forest were many cliffs, most with huge caves in the sides. They had yet to find one that was empty and had many passageways, which would be a huge advantage.

Nestariel and Lathwen jogged over to Edhelwen and Lily. There was a bunch of caves next to each other, each with many weeds, brambles, and bushes in front of them.

Lathwen forged through the plants and stepped inside, bow drawn and ready for anything…well, almost anything. “ Hello?” Lathwen called, her voice echoing down the hollow passageways.

She motioned everyone inside, and looked around. The entrance was big, and it branched into three passageways. Lily asked, “ Which one will we go down first?” Lathwen answered, “ The one that runs straight and deeper into the caves…this one on the right side is a dead end…I can see it from here.” Nestariel nodded, “ Lookout point maybe? We could post people in there who would alert us, and capture those who came in.”

Lathwen nodded, “ Question is…will we have enough people to capture the people who come in here?” Lily waved away the subject, “ Of course we will. Let’s go girls!”

They hiked deeper and deeper into the cave, the floor sloping downwards. Off to the sides there were many rooms, which could be very useful. Finally, they came to rest in a ballroom-sized area, which, surprisingly, had light filtering through from a hole in the top of the cave…the roof. Lathwen looked around and grinned, “ No bones, footprints, or carcasses in this one…I guess it’s uninhabited.”

She turned around and smiled, “ What do you say girls? Can we set up here?” “ YES!” Came the rousing cry of agreement. Nestariel took hold of the situation, “ Firstly, we’d better figure out what we’ll use all of these rooms for.”

Lathwen nodded and lay down her pack against the rock wall, but kept her weapons with her. They all traveled together in a group, examining one room after another. They found that the room closest to the ballroom sized one, which was the main living area where they would eat and relax, held a stream. This room was larger than the other rooms on the sides, but much smaller than the main room.

Lily stooped and put her hand in, but instantly drew it out with a yelp, “ It’s freezing!” She gasped. Nestariel nodded, “ It must be fresh mountain water. We could use this as a bathing room…very convenient, wouldn’t you say?” The others agreed.

They went back to the entrance and walked down the left tunnel, which led to the back of the caves, where there was another opening that led outside into the other side of the forest.

After they finished exploring, they all trouped back to the main room and sat on the sun-warmed floor. “ So,” Lathwen began, “ Do we all agree that this is the main room, the bathing room is to our immediate left, the other rooms on the side will be bedrooms where a few girls will stay, and that the room to the side of the entrance way will be a lookout post, and the other tunnel on the instant left of the entrance will be used for evacuation and hiding out?” “Yes.” Edhelwen said, Lily nodded, and Nestariel said, “ Absolutely.” “ Good.” Lathwen replied.

Nestariel said, “ But we’ll need to furnish the rooms to.” Lathwen nodded, “ I know. We’ll work on that.” Lily added, “ We should come up with defenses we can put up if someone happens to come here.” Lathwen said, “ We already have the plants on the outside…”

Edhelwen answered, “ That won’t stop them for long though.” Nestariel agreed, “ We should make a gate of some kind.” Lily frowned, “ A gate? All the way to the ceiling and one that they won’t be able to topple down?” Nestariel shrugged, “ Worth a try.”

Lathwen held up her hands to signal quiet, “ But when they see the gate, they’ll know someone lives here. Perhaps having no defenses is our best defense.” Edhelwen nodded slowly, “ Words of wisdom…and very true ones.” Nestariel agreed, “ They’ll expect us to put up defenses…Bessie’s right…we’ll leave it as is I suppose.”

Lily said, “ Now all we need to do is get going with the furnishings if we’re going to live here long…fall isn’t that far away once you think about it.” She was right…the wind had become bitter, and the flowers were beginning to fade.

Lathwen sighed, “ Well…maybe we’d better make blankets first, you know, things that will keep us warm.” Edhelwen nodded, “ Maybe one of us could go in disguise into Rohan and buy the things we’ll need.” Lathwen nodded, “ We can use some of my gold.” Her voice told the others not to protest. Lily nodded slowly, “ Well then girls’,” She said, “ Let’s get started.”


Chapter 18 - The Herald Returns

Disclaimer; Don’t own nothin’ of Tolkien’s…never will…so I have no choice but to get on with life.
Note: Many thanks to my reviews! Without them, I’d have no incentive to go on…and countless mistakes in my writing.

“BESSIE! BESSIE! MANWATHIEL’S HERE!” Lily shouted as she jumped up from her stool in the main room and ran to greet their weary friend who was standing outside of the cave entrance. Lily quickly brought her horse in and tied it up in the lookout room, but led Manwathiel further down the hall.

Lathwen wiped the sweat from her brow and set down the basket she had been weaving. She to, got up from a newly made stool, and grinned broadly as she caught sight of Manwathiel’s tired face.

“MANWATHIEL!” Edhelwen cried from a bedroom where she and Nestariel had been placing carpets and stools and a table. Nestariel came out and stepped into the passageway, “Like what we did with the place? We’ve decided it’ll be our new home.” Manwathiel grinned, “I expect a full tour.”

Lathwen remembered her manners as Manwathiel rubbed her temples. “Come and sit down…you need to eat.” She said, and took some bread and cheese from their saddlebags, given they didn’t have cabinets or anything like that yet. Manwathiel gratefully took the food and plopped down on a stool that sat at a table.

She took a few bites of her food before asking, “Did you all *make* these things?!” Lily nodded proudly, and held up her calloused hands, “And it earned us a good few splinters might I add.” Manwathiel looked around in a dazed way and spotted the baskets that were on the floor of the cavern. “By the Valar! You all have been busy!”

She continued to eat her meal while Edhelwen chirped, “Nestariel and Lathwen are weaving the baskets. Lily made the candles…did you see them in the hallway? Of course, they smell horrible and give off a lot of smoke, but I guess that’ll have to do for now considering we need light desperately. I made the tubs that are in the bathroom…did I tell you about that? Running water Manwathiel! We have a fresh stream in the bathroom! All we have to do is heat the water by putting the buckets on a grill sort of thing that hangs over a fire in there…come to think of it, I don’t know if the fire is still going…oh well…not much can go up in flames there anyhow so—”

Manwathiel and Lathwen were laughing helplessly at Edhelwen’s endless tirade. After she stopped giggling, Manwathiel held up her hands to slow Edhelwen’s outburst and said warmly, “I’m sure I’ll get a chance to see it all.” Edhelwen giggled and shut her mouth. Nestariel asked, “ How goes it in the Golden Wood?”

Manwathiel lost her smile. She said gravely, “An attack earlier in the week took two warriors and wounded three others. In regards of Sarethiel and the babe…all is well.” Lathwen asked, “ Lindariel isn’t bothering her anymore?” Manwathiel sighed, “ Nay. Not at all. But Lathwen, you must know that long before you or Lily were born…Lindariel felt love for an elf that Sarethiel had married. She is only bitter out of hurt and spite…remember that.”

Lathwen blushed at her own ignorance, “ I promise to remember…and it will be hard to forget. I regret what I did that day Manwathiel.” She said softly. Manwathiel nodded knowingly, “ Sarethiel said you would.”

Manwathiel popped the last of her bread crust into her mouth and swallowed rather quickly. She looked around the main room with an odd look on her face, “Erm…I suppose you aren’t expecting any visitors then?”

Lily raised an eyebrow, “Eh?” Manwathiel grinned, “Well…this happens to be a convenient cave my dear friends…someone else besides you will think it looks like a good place to rest.”

Edhelwen rocketed out of her seat in excitement and said, “We know that! Guess what? We’re aiming on doing something to make it look less…appetizing if you’ll excuse my reference to food…we’re going to block off the front entrance as much as we can with rocks and dirt and the like from the new tunnel we’re going to dig because there’s a back entrance to, and its very well hidden and hardly used. Actually, the tunnel will sort of be a basement, but who cares? It’ll be a good a place as any to—”

Manwathiel held up her hands again, “And what will you do until then?” Nestariel snorted, “Pray that the Valar have mercy on our pitiful souls?” Lily shrugged, “That works. Much less work to do…which results in not as sore a back.” Manwathiel wasn’t very amused by their “humor”.

“No…really girls…Manwathiel’s right. We have to do something else to help ourselves survive here!” Lathwen said seriously. Manwathiel nodded, “I only found this place because I saw light coming from inside…the sooner you cover the front entrance the better.” Lathwen put hands on her hips and sighed, looking about the room.

“Well,” She began slowly, “We’ve got the bathroom almost finished…one of the main rooms is...” “Finished!” Nestariel offered. Lathwen nodded, “Good. And this main room is finished except for storage places and shelves and all…I suppose we could dig early…what do you think girls?” Nestariel crossed her arms, “The sooner the better.” Edhelwen added, “Let’s try and get it done quickly…how long do you think the basement will take?”

Lily answered, “Given only the main room has a stone floor, it shouldn’t be a problem to dig anywhere else.” Nestariel thought a moment, “This may seem strange…but maybe the lookout room?” Lathwen shrugged, “If it’s the only place we have…fine. I have no objections as to where it goes.” Manwathiel sighed and rose from her seat, “I should go…I’m already late because it took me so long to find you all. Farewell then…and good luck.”

***
(Eight days later)

The tunnel/basement thing was done. The dirt that had been dug up was now blocking the entrance, with rocks before and in back of it, like a sandwich. Of course, the rocks could be dangerous if they fell…so the girls’ had felled a huge oak tree with their swords, which were now almost blunt, and they had made thick boards, nailed together with the nails that Edhelwen had gone to the city to buy.

Everything the girls needed Edhelwen went to buy…and she had now become a common figure among the people of Minas Tirith. Among he shopkeepers and commoners that is…she made sure no official or soldier would ever see her.

How did she not get caught? Well for one thing she had a good disguise. She wore the kind of clothing a young girl might have…and she wore a ratty cloak with the hood drawn over her head to hide her ears.

Before she went, she made sure to smudge dirt on her face and arms to hide the elven glow she possessed. And of course, she braided her hair tightly and the hood hid that, so it was of no consequence. She had mastered the Gondorian accent better than any of them also. She was also sure to stick to the same story all of the time…her father was a blacksmith, and her mother, a weaver.

So, with the combination of a good disguise, Elbereth guiding her, and a fair amount of luck…she had managed not to be recognized, though there had been a few heart stopping times.

And of course, so far there had been no one to be seen…but Lathwen and co. couldn’t be sure of it…they trusted nothing and no one but themselves and their sisters.

They had all taken this chance to improve their skills with weapons. Lathwen and Lily’s aim improved incredibly…Edhelwen and Nestariel worked up their strength, and were now teaching Lathwen and Lily how to use a sword, for they already knew how to use a bow.

It was the afternoon of the eight-day…and an incredibly boring one at that. Lily was sitting on a log outside with Lathwen and Edhelwen next to her. Nestariel was busy singing softly about lost love.

Lily let out a huffy sigh and bent her head back to face the sky, “BORING!” She cried, causing the birds in the trees above them to flutter to the nearest safety zone. Lathwen kicked at the dirt and sighed, “We know…believe me.” Edhelwen sighed, “We take one day off from work…and look what happens? We’re already bored!”

Nestariel halted her singing, “Why don’t we take a walk…to Greywood?” Lily laughed sarcastically, “*Walk* to the *Greywood*? Where Glorfy and his gang were last sighted? I don’t think so!” Nestariel shrugged, “It would provide vast amusement compared to this…you have to admit that.” Lathwen sighed, “Yeah, if you think risking your life and livelihood is vast amusement.”

Edhelwen stood up, “Don’t know ‘bout you all…but I’m up for some fun and games…the riskier, the better. It’s more fun than sitting around doing nothing anyway!” Lathwen considered it a moment more, “Fine…I’m coming. I suppose Glorfy’s gone by now…or at least, I hope he is.”

Lily jumped up to, “All right…I’ll come rather than being left alone…I honestly hope he isn’t after you Old Bess…‘cuz of the stealing knives incident and all. If he is…we’re in it deep.”

Lathwen tapped her bow with a meaningful smile and said, “Not so deep…he doesn’t know we’re willing to fight for our lives…literally.”

***
They were halfway to Greywood in the fields.

“STUPID MORONIC IDIOTIC IMBICLE OF AN ELF!!”
“ARE YOU MAD BESSIE?! SAY THAT AGAIN AND HE’LL SKIN YOU ALIVE!”
“So Glorfy and his gang are back once more…”
“Apparently.”

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t call me ‘Glorfy’ Miss Lily.”
“Shut up Glorfy.”
“You’re in no position to talk Alanessa.”
“I still think you’re all mad for doing this.”
“I suppose you’re used to being around ‘mad’ people though, Lady Nestariel.”
“I SAID SHUT UP YOU ROTTEN TOE JAM!”

*Nestariel, Lily, and Edhelwen laugh*
*Sigh* “Glorfindel, I think this is going to be a lot harder than we expected…”


Chapter 19 - Truce

Disclaimer; You know who I own. You know who I don’t own. Need I say more besides I’m not doing this for profit?
Note: I know the last part of ch.18 was a bit odd…

The Outlaw Maiden’s had run into some problems in the middle of that particular field, as you probably found out.

Lathwen immediately started spitting out insults as Glorfy’s group surrounded them, faces grim. “STUPID MORONIC IDIOTIC IMBECLE OF AN ELF!” Nestariel answered, “ARE YOU MAD BESSIE?! SAY THAT AGAIN AND HE’LL SKIN YOU ALIVE!” Lily had a cooler approach to things. “So Glorfy and his gang are back once more…” Edhelwen snorted, “Apparently.”

Glorfindel glared at them, “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t call me ‘Glorfy’ Miss Lily.” Lathwen rolled her eyes, “Shut up Glorfy.” Glorfindel switched his piercing gaze to Lathwen’s face and said in a more gentle voice, “You’re in no position to talk Alanessa.”

Nestariel shrugged and said to Lathwen with a look that clearly said It’s-your-funeral, “I still think you’re mad for doing this.” Glorfindel answered, “Ah, but I suppose you’re used to ‘mad’ people though, Lady Nestariel.” He looked pointedly at Lathwen who growled, “I SAID SHUT UP YOU ROTTEN TOE JAM!” (Weird I know…but my little brother inspired me to say that…)

Nestariel, Edhelwen, and Lily burst into laughter at that odd phrase. An elven soldier near Glorfindel sighed and said, “I think this is going to be a lot harder than we thought…”

Lathwen rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, “Tell me about it. We come here for a little much deserved recreation and whom do we find but the very annoying, not to mention depraved leader of elves…Oh Mighty Glorfindel of Gondolin and his minions, here to sabotage us once more…” The soldier that had spoken before shook his head, “No sabotage Alanessa…we’ve come to bargain.”

Lily frowned, “You’ll be the diplomat, right?” The soldier nodded. Lily said, “I find diplomacy to be the art of saying ‘good doggie’ while looking for a bigger stick…eh? I don’t ride well with diplomats.” The soldier looked at her tiredly, “I’m sorry you feel that way miss. But I’m afraid it’s the only choice we have left.”

Lathwen shook her head and said, “Or…you could leave without the bargain. I don’t want to bargain.” Glorfindel sighed, “You haven’t even heard our offer yet.” Lathwen shrugged, “Well then spit it out man! Wasting daylight…honestly.”

Glorfindel sighed inwardly, cursing the stiff necks of this particular group of maidens. “Well, before we get to that,” He began, “I’ve dropped all charges against you, seeing as it was improper of us to get in the way of something that clearly belonged to you.” Lathwen paled, “How did you know?” She asked in a harsh whisper. Glorfindel answered, “Dolithiel. She was questioned…but not harmed, never fear.” He added at Lathwen’s petrified look. Lathwen opened her mouth but swiftly closed it with a small jerk and motioned for Glorfindel to go on.

“Lathwen Alanessa…we’ll agree to leave the Outlaw Maiden’s alone as long as you cause no trouble and commit no crime…” Lathwen snorted, “That will be terribly easy.” Glorfindel gave her a look, but went on, “And I want my daggers back. I do believe I’ve earned them.” Lathwen raised an eyebrow and he went on with a mischievous grin, “We’ve caught you.” He said simply.

Lathwen rubbed the middle of her forehead in concentration, and silently looked at the other three for their opinions. All gave slight nods. Lathwen heaved a sigh and reached for her back, pulling twin daggers and their sheaths from the extra room in her quiver. Perhaps not the best place to put them, but it was easy for traveling.

She handed them, hilt first to Glorfindel who took them and strapped them to his waist again. Lathwen looked at him and held out a hand to shake. “Done.” She agreed in a warmer, but no less firm voice. Glorfindel took her hand, and she was surprised to find how much strength he possessed. His hand was warm, but comfortable, in spit of the roughness because of his many years as a warrior.

“Done.” He said back, his bright blue eyes locking with her stormy grey ones. Lathwen broke their grip, seeing as he was holding it for far to long.

Glorfindel instantly mourned the loss of human contact the second Lathwen pulled her hand away. No one had even grasped his hand in a friendly handshake since Gondolin…though Maetherion occasionally swatted his shoulder…that hardly counted. He was considered too important…to high above everyone else, and the people around him to unworthy of even the slightest bit of contact.

If someone even brushed his cloak they would immediately babble a lengthy apology, full of bows or curtsies and blushes of embarrassment. How could they not see that he didn’t mind? How could so many people be blinded by his deeds so as not to see what he truly sought was friendship…companionship? Maetherion was a good, loyal friend…but he to abided by the hands-off rule. Glorfindel wanted people to act normal around him...even if that person was a sarcasm perfectionist.

He roused himself from his reverie to see that Nestariel was speaking to him. “You all better be going back to Imladris and Lorien after this…family and friends need you.” Glorfindel nodded with a slight grin, “We are going home…for now.” Lathwen said suspiciously, “For now?”

Glorfindel smirked, “We’ll be back to check up on you…just in case. Pity you all live so far away.” “How do you know we’ll be staying?” Lathwen asked. Glorfindel just smirked harder, eyes twinkling with mischief. “We know.” Lathwen sighed and rolled her eyes at the ‘abominable elf lord’. “Farewell then, my lords…and good luck on your journey.” Lathwen said quietly, sweeping her gaze through the group, bestowing upon each the gift of hope through though her eyes.

“Farewell Lathwen Alanessa…we’ll be back.”

Lathwen smirked back, “Oh, I have no doubt. You can hardly just forget about the person you chased halfway across Arda now can you my lords?”

Before anyone could reply, she turned and walked away with Nestariel, Edhelwen, and Lily at her side. The elves watched as they laughed and teased one another, Lily administering a bip on the head to Lathwen who squealed and swatted Lily back.

The afternoon sun shone bright upon them, obstructing their view of the girls after a while. Most of the company shaded their eyes and watched them go, but Glorfindel sighed and said, “You heard the little ladies…off to Lorien!” Reluctantly, the group gathered their belongings, but froze when they heard Nestariel’s song on the wind.

“…holds captive the wind’s sweetness, and stills the air, to bind the fond goodbye…”

Glorfindel beat back the ache in his chest, and slowly gathered his things like the rest of the group, and walked away toward their horses, which would lead them home. Home. Finally.


Chapter 20 - In Danger

Disclaimer; I don’t own the elves; I just enjoy toying with them.
Note: Wondering if this is a good enough reason to have two small people come and stay with the constantly in trouble/danger maidens. HELP ME HERE PEOPLE! (Two *very* small people mind you. Like, a foot high sort of person.)


The Outlaw Maidens were sitting in the meadow between the Greywood, and their home, the forest they newly christened ‘Tanglewood’ due to the hard time they had getting through certain parts of it.

It had been a full month since they last saw Glorfindel and his group of minions. Lathwen wouldn’t admit it, but she was starting to get worried. Anyway, the Outlaw Maidens had furnished their cave further…all of the dorms visitors and perhaps new recruits would be using were finished…each had a table with two chairs, carpets, and a stool. They had all figured that bedrolls would be used…for they didn’t have material to make cots or the like, and the townspeople were beginning to wonder where Edhelwen acquired all of that money.

Dear Valar, what hard work it was! And slow in the bargain due to their inexperience.

It was nearing twilight…the sun was setting in the meadow, a brilliant splash of yellow orange and pink. Lathwen was lying down, her arms folded and legs casually crossed at the ankles. Lily, who was sitting next to her, yawned and said, “Beautiful isn’t it?” Edhelwen nodded. Nestariel answered, “Beautiful.” Lathwen sighed and sat up, “Wonder how Sarethiel’s doing…”

Edhelwen answered, “She’s probably fine. Her husband will make sure of that.” Lily suddenly said, “I was just thinking…since the entrance to the cave is blocked up…the lookout room is of no use to us. Could we use it as a healing ward perhaps?” Nestariel nodded, “Good idea. There’s bound to be one of us who gets wounded one time or another.”

Lathwen snorted and stood up, brushing straw off of her tunic and leggings. “Yeah.” She sighed, “Aaargggh! I AM SO BORED AND IT ISN’T FUNNY EDHELWEN SO STOP LAUGHING!” To late, everyone was giggling at Lathwen who was fuming. But she couldn’t hold back a grin, and soon she to was laughing.

The drumming of hoof beats caught their attention and Lathwen pulled out her bow and notched an arrow. “Get ready girls!” She shouted, a code for ‘stand guard and don’t shoot yet’. They all got their weapons ready…not that it would have been much use against an army…they were only four women for Valar’s sake!

Lily gasped as a disheveled Glorfindel cantered into view, hair flying, blue eyes wide, and a bundle in the crook of his arm. On his right, the soldier who was the diplomat held another bundle. Behind them were three others, including Ridhion.

Lathwen lowered her bow and put her arrow in its quiver while she ran over to where Glorfindel’s mount had stopped. Why was he looking so harried? Why was he so worried?

Lathwen held out a hand, but instead of giving his own to be helped down, Glorfindel handed her the bundle. Lathwen frowned and looked down at it. “WHAT?! YOU’RE MAD AREN’T YOU?!”

Tirion giggled up at her and stuffed his fist into his mouth. Glorfindel dismounted and said rather quickly, “Wait, Lathwen. Let me explain!” Lathwen glared at him while she rocked Tirion. She stalked over to the diplomat and he handed her the other bundle. Antien smiled and burbled when he saw her face.

Glorfindel sighed and said, “There was an attack on Lorien. The border guards and sentinels couldn’t hold the orcs back. There were too many. We led the maidens and children to safety.” Lathwen snapped, “So why did you bring them here? They’d be much safer with the others in hiding!”

Glorfindel roared, “SILENCE LATHWEN ALANESSA!” Lathwen was stunned into silence, both of her eyebrows shot up to her hairline.

Glorfindel said in a calmer tone, “Tirion and Antien wouldn’t stop crying without me or you there. They would have given away the hiding spot; annoyed everyone there, and they were still in danger with the others…everyone was in danger. They aren’t happy when you or I aren’t around Lathwen…and I can’t be around a lot, you know that. They’ll be much safer here where you have no one to disturb you.”

Lathwen smiled slowly, “I get it. This is some sort of joke right? Them? Safe here? Ha! Lord Glorfindel, you apparently haven’t spent a day in our company.”

Lily spoke up, “He has a point Lathwen…they’d be safer here than with him, and safer here instead of a hideaway that may be discovered any time.” Lathwen answered, “Our hideaway may be discovered at any time Lily! Not by humans or elves per say, but by orcs and goblins and the like! Much more dangerous here than being in a hideaway!”

Antien started to cry, a loud thin wailing sound. Lathwen kissed his forehead, “Hush little one…hush. Shhh.” She rocked Antien in her arms and that quieted him as she said to Glorfindel, “You’ve brought them all this way. They will hinder your journey. You do not know how to care for them, therefore I cannot possibly see how they managed to survive.” She gave him a pointed look and continued, “Glorfindel…if I take them, I cannot be at fault for what happens to them. I promise to protect them with my life, I love them as if they were my own, but that may not be enough at one point. They are in danger here to, you realize that I hope.” (NO! IDIOT! Hellooo Lathwen! Danger! Orcs! Stupid agreement…)

Glorfindel nodded gravely, “But they will be safer here than with me.” Lathwen frowned, “Which reminds me, why not take them back to Lorien?”
“The attack was still going on when we left.”
“It’s probably ended now.”
“We don’t know that for sure…even if it had ended, we’d have to search all of Lorien to be sure of it, and then we’d still have—”
“All right, okay. I see your point.”

Lathwen frowned, “Do you have formula for them?” Glorfindel shook his head, “We used the last of it this afternoon.” (of course) Lathwen sighed, “Well then…looks like you’re going back to the market Edhelwen.” Edhelwen smiled, “I don’t mind. These twins are absolutely adorable!” Lathwen gave her friend a brief smile before turning back to Glorfindel.

“How long will it be before you can come back?” She asked. Glorfindel passed a hand over his tired eyes, “I don’t know. As short a time as I can make it.” Lathwen nodded absentmindedly as Tirion began grabbing a loose strand of her hair. Lathwen giggled and tilted her head so the strand fell out of his grip. Tirion giggled and started jabbering in his private baby talk. “Are you going back immediately?” Asked Lathwen suddenly.

Glorfindel nodded, “That would be best.” Lathwen nodded back, “Fine. Goodbye for now, Lord Glorfindel and company.” She gave a small smirk before turning and saying to the others, “Come on girls! Looks like we have a job to do!” With that, they all walked toward the other side of the meadow, Antien and Tirion safe in Lathwen’s arms. Or at least, what Glorfindel hoped was safe.

He watched them go with a deep ache in his chest. He felt like crying somewhat...loosing something you treasure can do that to you. There went the two things that meant most to him in life. He winced involuntarily watching them go…watching her go to. But at least now he knew that their hideaway was in that direction, so after he came back, he wouldn’t have to wait for them in the meadows and such.

With a small sigh, he mounted his steed and he and his men rode hard for the Golden Wood where there was much work to be done. Valar help his nephews, Valar help them all.


Chapter 21 - Proving Your Worth to a Warrior

Disclaimer; *sigh* I’m getting tired of saying this over and over again…so I’ve hired someone to do it for me! Meet Valentine Teddy! (The stuffed animal I got when I was three. Can’t believe its still around.)
Valentine Teddy: Dawnie doesn’t own anything except for Lily, Lathwen, Eothain and me!
Note: Subconsciously is right! And we couldn’t just leave the poor twins hanging now could we?

Lathwen dissolved in tears the moment they stepped inside of the main room. She wept as she walked over to the stool and sat Tirion and Antien on her lap. Lily anxiously asked, “Bessie! What’s wrong?” Lathwen sighed as the tears ran down her cheeks; “I can’t do this anymore Lily! I’m so tired!”
“Tired of what Bessie?” Nestariel asked in her soothing voice as she sat down beside her sobbing friend.

“Tired of all the worry! I’m tired of all the frustration and constant danger! What happened to Sarethiel and the babe during the attack? What will happen to Tirion and Antien? What will happen to you all? I’m so tired of this! It’s to hard to think about all of the time, and yet, that’s what I’ve been doing these past few days and it’s making me crazy!”

Nestariel and Edhelwen took the twins as Lily sat on the other side of Lathwen. “It’ll be all right Bessie, I promise! The twins are safe with us, and Glorfindel would have mentioned if something had happened to Sarethiel and the babe. Besides, there’s little danger here in this small forest no one’s ever been in before.”

Lathwen sighed impatiently and brushed the tears away, “Don’t misunderstand me girls…I honestly do love the adventure and living on our own hard work and wit, I love what we’re doing…but I still worry. What if something goes wrong?” Lily said quietly, “Bessie…things will go wrong sometimes…you cannot prevent that. You have to accept it. What will be was meant to be.”

Lathwen answered, “I know. I sorry I’m making a big deal out of nothing…I suppose I’m just overworked. I’m going to bed girls…” Lily nodded, “Its dark now…we all should get to bed early. We’ll need the energy for the twins and all.” Nestariel slapped her palm against her forehead, “THE TWINS!” She exclaimed, “Where will they sleep?” Lathwen smiled faintly and held up a large oval shaped basket that she had made.

“We’ll line it with some blankets.” She said.

***
Lathwen smiled gently as she watched the twins sleep after waking with a start from a nightmare she couldn’t remember. She knew it had been about her parents though, her kind, gentle, loving parents long gone.

Antien was curled up against Tirion who was sucking his thumb loudly. Their basket stood right by Lathwen’s bedroll. Lily’s bedroll was opposite of Lathwen’s, and Nestariel and Edhelwen lie sleeping on the end. They were sleeping in the room closest to the bathroom on the left side.

Lathwen soundlessly got up and walked to the entrance to the cave, sitting against the side. She sat there for over an hour, completely unaware of anything else but her own thoughts. She yawned and stood up again, creeping back to bed so she wouldn’t wake the others.

***
Three weeks. Twenty-one days. Enough time to take down a few orcs. Enough time to go back to Lorien and Fangorn. Perhaps even enough time to go back to Imladris where Lord Elrond resided. There were opportunities for that…there were opportunities for all of it and more. But they didn’t take them…for their sake, as well as the twins.

Edhelwen hadn’t been to the market in a while, so her novelty had worn off. People now thought that she had a good paying job…rare, but not unheard of. She had gone to the market to buy the ingredients for the twins’ formula, she had gone ten times during the three weeks…the twenty-one days.

On exactly the twenty-first day…Edhelwen had come running home, basket full of formula, but looking very unkempt. She slid off of Wildfire in a hurry and led her to the ‘stables’…the lookout room, which was not a lookout room anymore. She rushed down the hall to the main room, gasping for breath.

Lathwen rushed to her side, handing a sleeping Tirion to Lily, “What is it Edhelwen? What’s wrong?” Edhelwen sat down on a stool and said rapidly, “When I was in the market, after I bought all of the things we needed, a man in a cloak came up to me and asked if I knew anything about the Outlaw Maiden’s.” She held up a hand at Lathwen’s panicked look.

“It’s okay girls…I just acted like a resident of Minas Tirith…I said that I didn’t know anything more than anyone else there. I added that I heard that the Outlaw Maiden’s went north to fight the attack in Lorien.” Edhelwen continued with a troubled look on her face, “I don’t think he believed me though…” (Catch Edhelwen’s mistake yet?)

Lathwen shrugged, “It’s okay…no one will be able to find out hideaway besides. It’s to far in Tanglewood. Don’t worry Edhelwen.” The elf-maiden smiled weakly and pulled off her cloak. “I hope—” Lily began, but was interrupted by a horse’s whinny somewhere off in the distance.

Lathwen and Lily grabbed their arrows and quiver, while Nestariel and Edhelwen quickly buckled on their swords, though Edhelwen was still in her dress. They all did this silently and instantly. Lily blew out all of the candles in the hall as they had practiced, and they all crept toward the left tunnel and the back entrance.

They stayed hidden in the shadows, peering out into the forest, praying that no one was going to find them. Lathwen inhaled sharply as she saw a quickly movement off to their right. She heard the others ready their weapons at the same time she readied hers.

She and the others waited a minute or two before relaxing slightly. Lathwen was about to give the command to go back, when out from the bushes stepped Ridhion, his bow ready, a thoroughly confused look on his face. At his side was Nestaron, the March Warden who had first brought Lily and Lathwen to Lothlorien. Right behind them were Glorfindel and the diplomat soldier. Stupid elves.

Lathwen held out a hand, signaling the girls to be quiet and not make a move. They waited a moment or two before hearing Nestaron say, “By the Valar, they aren’t making this easy!” Glorfindel snorted, “That would be unlike them Nestaron…they love watching us suffer…in fact,” Here he raised his voice slightly, “I bet they are watching us right now, laughing at our hardship.”

Lathwen rolled her eyes at his dramatic statement. She could tell that Lily was trying hard to refrain from snorting and telling Glorfindel exactly what she thought of him.

She focused her attention on Ridhion who was saying, “Why don’t we check in that cave?” Glorfindel shook his head, “They know better than to keep my nephews in a damp cave where they could easily be hurt by something.” Nestaron shook his head, “I certainly hope so.”

Lathwen motioned to the others and they stepped outside of the cave entrance because the group of elves was already past the cave. Nestariel sighed loudly, “So sorry to disappoint you.” Glorfindel and the others whirled around to face smirking maidens. Glorfindel walked quickly to Lathwen and asked hurriedly, “Antien and Tirion? Where are they.”

Lathwen held up a hand to slow their questions and said, “You weren’t supposed to know where we were. How did you find us?” (Edhelwen’s mistake comes in here.) Nestaron sighed and pulled up his hood. Edhelwen gasped, “That’s him!” Nestaron answered, “No ordinary resident of Minas Tirith would know of the attack on Lorien, Lady Edhelwen.” Lily muttered a curse under her breath as Edhelwen glared at the March Warden, serving only to make him more amused.

Lathwen rubbed her temples, “Never mind that Edhelwen.” She said. Turning to the others she said firmly, “Swear on the Valar’s honor that you won’t tell a soul where we are? Even your own kin. You must no reveal this to anyone…not even under pain of death.” The four took the oaths very seriously, promising never to reveal the Outlaw Maiden’s location.

Lathwen sighed and beckoned to them, “You should be honored my lords…you are the first and last to see where we reside.” Ridhion quirked an eyebrow, “It’s a cave.” He said flatly. Lily smiled, “Things are often more than they appear.”

Curious, the elf lords allowed Lathwen and the others to lead them down the pathway of the left tunnel, and into the main passage. They stopped at the foyer so the group could tie their horses up with the girls. (Lily quickly put more hay and feed into the feedboxes)

They walked down the main hallway towards the main room, often stopping for the elven lords to examine the dorms where guests would be kept. They were amazed at the effort the maiden’s had put into their work…exclaiming and praising often. “Not just a damp cave then.” Glorfindel had said quietly, quite amused.

However fascinated they were with the rooms, they were absolutely astounded when it came to the bathing room. (Lathwen could have sworn they took a good ten minutes studying how it worked.) “Amazing.” Ridhion breathed as they stepped into the main room.

Lily shrugged, “Please, sit.” Lathwen motioned for Lily to stay with them as she went to get Antien and Tirion. Lathwen gently picked up the basket and walked carefully with it into the main room, setting it on top of the table beside Glorfindel’s chair.

Antien had woken and was cheerfully chirping in his baby talk. Tirion soon was awake due to his brothers kicking and waving fists. At first Tirion scrunched up his face, turning slightly pink in his distressed state, but upon seeing Glorfindel, his face cleared and he let out a joyful burble.

Glorfindel’s face lit up and he smiled quietly, tenderly picking up both of his nephews and placing them on his lap. Lathwen watched as he bounced them up and down on his knees, earning happy giggles. She was surprised to see that he didn’t mind when Tirion chewed on the cuff of his cloak, or when Antien stuffed a few golden strands of his hair into his little mouth. Gently, Glorfindel pulled the strands of his hair from Antien’s mouth, and rolled up his cuff out of Tirion’s reach, softly saying that it wasn’t good for him to chew on.

Lathwen made a move to talk to Lily, but saw that she was engaged in an animated conversation with Nestariel and Ridhion, while Edhelwen talked with Nestaron about his disguise and such. Lathwen smiled and impulsively sat on a stool near Glorfindel’s, eyes set demurely on the adorable twins.

“Thank you, Lathwen.” Glorfindel said to her after a moment of watching her face as she observed his endearing nephews. Lathwen looked up and met his gaze, she smiled, “You’re welcome my lord. Though I should be the one thanking you…you have no idea how much light they brought to us. They were a joy to take care of.” Glorfindel smiled pleasantly but was distracted as Antien entangled himself in his uncle’s long hair.

Lathwen gazed at Glorfindel out of the corner of her eyes. His hair was golden…it glowed in the candlelight, a soft silver. His eyes were bright blue, which would turn darker with a sudden change of emotion. And he was a warrior. A strong, lithe warrior. Not to mention handsome.

Lathwen blushed at this thought and hastily turned her head to watch Lily’s argument with Ridhion who fought back with an equal passion. Lathwen’s lips curved in a smile as she saw Nestariel collapse with laughter at the two arguing.

Glorfindel had been aware of Lathwen’s scrutiny, but pretended not to notice. Though if she had looked closer, she would have seen the slight smile that played on his lips as she suddenly blushed and turned away.

Glorfindel gazed at her as she watched his men in a heated discussion with one of her companions…Lily. Lathwen obviously noticed his gaze, for she looked at him curiously. The elf lord smiled and asked, “Tell me…how did the Outlaw Maiden’s survive here? We’re all curious.”

Lathwen laughed harshly and crossed her arms. “Well there’s an interesting subject.” She said sarcastically. Glorfindel frowned at her tone, but said nothing. The room went silent and everyone listened as Lathwen went on.

Lathwen went on, “Survival. How did we survive? We learned to let go, my lord. We learned to let go of everything we had, every wish we might have been able to make come true…” “We let go of.” Nestariel finished softly. Lily nodded and said, “Every day we fought with ourselves…trying to find the courage and strength to complete the journey. Every day was as struggle to forget who we were, where we came from, and who we knew. We learned to forget.”

Edhelwen spoke up, “We let go of the hope to raise a family, we let go of the old ties we were once connected to. We let go and forgot everything to start this new life, and yet…none of us regret it. None of us regret what we did or how we went about doing it.”

Lily continued, “Throughout our journey, the struggles, the battles made us stronger. The weariness and frustration made us more determined to succeed. Those who opposed us, those who laughed, those who tried to hinder us only made us better at what we were doing. Surviving.”

Glorfindel was silent, horrified at their hardships, yet amazed at their resilience and ability to survive. Lathwen looked away and said softly, “And there’s your answer my lord. We forgot, we let go, we made ourselves stronger, and enjoyed the fact that we were truly free...we enjoy what we’re doing my lord. *That* is how we survive.”


Chapter 22 - "You Are Their Light"

Disclaimer: Valentine Bear- Again, Dawnie doesn’t own anything…you know what? I’m thinking I should get paid for this. Me: Not a chance.
Note: I know this is short, but I have a HUGE math test to study for, and I absolutely despise math.

Glorfindel briefly closed his eyes, a slight furrow in his brow. He gently pulled Antien away from his golden hair and said slowly, breaking the silence, “You should not do that.” “Do what?” Lathwen asked. “Survive in that way.”

Lathwen raised her eyebrows, “Is there another way then? Perhaps you’d like to enlighten us.” Lily added, “My lord, your situation is different than ours.”

Glorfindel’s eyes opened again, “That does not mean we do not understand. When it comes to this way of living…the way you warrior maidens live, we elven warrior’s understand.” His eyes flickered briefly to Lathwen’s as he said this, causing her to remember their conversation way back when Glorfindel was grieving. She still didn’t fully understand why he was grieving…but that wasn’t of consequence.

Lathwen sighed, “Go on then my lord.” “Glorfindel.” The elf lord said firmly. Lathwen quirked an eyebrow, “If you say so…Lord Glorfindel.” Glorfindel glared at her and she smirked.

Nevertheless, the elf lord said, “You do not have to give up hope and sever all ties. You can still raise a family—” “What man would put up with this?” Lily argued. Glorfindel answered, “A warrior, one of the dunedain…someone who understands. You can still visit those you love—”

Lathwen and Lily snorted. “I’m never going back there.” Lathwen whispered to Lily who nodded and whispered back, “Not a chance.” Glorfindel raised an eyebrow but didn’t press the subject. He was temporarily distracted by the fact that Tirion was tugging on his golden hair, but went on, “Yes, you can.” His tone was firm. “You do not have to exile yourselves.”

Lathwen shook her head vehemently in indignation, “We are not doing that! Edhelwen, Nestariel, Lily and I can go back wherever whenever we want! The question is…do we want to? Lily and I don’t…or at least, not right now…but I’m not some barbaric leader who holds soldiers captive! Nestariel and Edhelwen are free to leave this place whenever they want!”

Glorfindel sighed and raised his eyes to the heavens, “Very well. I will not argue this matter anymore…but my point is that you do not have to forget…you don’t have to let go to survive out here.”

Lily glared at the elf lord, “Some of us do.” She pointed out. “If some of us don’t forget, we’ll be driven to insanity by the want for revenge on all we have suffered.”

Glorfindel was looking positively alarmed, and tightened his hold around Antien and Tirion. Nestaron was slightly paler, and Ridhion’s eyebrows were meeting his hairline. The diplomat however, was as calm as ever. Typical.

Lily sighed and stood up, “What I mean,” She said, “Is that some of us need to forget. It’s good for us not to relive the past. No one among you wants to relive a battle…do you?” The elves shook their heads.

Lathwen stood up and discarded her grey cloak, draping it over a chair. She turned and faced the guests, “Let us forget about this…we will not speak of the matter anymore. The important thing my lords, is that you realize that we like living this way.” The room was silent except for Antien’s sudden wail.

Lathwen instantly went over and held out her arms. Glorfindel, looking hesitant at first, handed his nephew to the leader of the Outlaw Maidens. Lathwen rocked him gently and kissed his forehead, murmuring reassurances. Antien stopped crying eventually, but was still whimpering, his face tinged pink.

Lathwen sighed as she realized the problem, “It’s feeding time.” She explained. Nestariel rose and pulled a bottle from a shelf and handed it to Lathwen who put the tip in Antien’s mouth and fed him. She looked up and said, “My lords…I realize it has been a long journey…would you like to bathe? You can eat afterwards.”

Ridhion grinned and stood up. Nestaron let out a gratified sigh. “Towels, soap, and washcloths are in there already.” Lathwen said, “There are enough tubs for all—” Nestaron and Ridhion didn’t wait for her to finish her sentence, but let out a whoop and raced to the bathroom.

Lathwen smiled slightly and finished feeding Antien. “Nessie…is there another bottle for Tirion?” She called absentmindedly as she wiped Antien’s mouth off. She silently handed Glorfindel his nephew, only to receive the other one. “They like you.” Glorfindel explained, a twinkle in his eye.

Lathwen gave a small smile back before taking the bottle from Nestariel and feeding Tirion. She sat down in a chair by the fire, and behind her she heard the diplomat say to Glorfindel, “I will wait my lord.” The elf lord replied, “No, no Maetherion. You go…I will wait.” Lathwen heard Maetherion hesitantly walk in the direction of the baths. Maetherion. So that was his name.

Lathwen stood up and walked over to the table where Edhelwen and Lily were sitting. Edhelwen sighed, “Today’s my washing day, I know…but can someone else do the clothes if I start dinner?” Lily grinned, “A trade off? Absolutely! We all know the dinner I make will likely be burned.” She stood up quickly and dashed into their room to pick up the basket of dirty clothes and wash them in the river before diner time.

Nestariel shrugged, “Edhelwen and I have nothing important to do right now…anyone want to join a quick card game?” Lathwen shook her head, “No thanks girls.” Nestariel looked expectantly at Glorfindel who smiled but shook his head, “I have my hands full.” He said, motioning to the squirming baby on his lap.

Lathwen chuckled as Tirion pushed away the bottle and let out a yawn. He made soft cooing sounds as Lathwen rocked him. She placed the empty bottle on the shelf and walked back over to Glorfindel and sat down next to him.

Lathwen sighed, “I’m sorry, Lord Glorfindel…I did not mean to sound so harsh earlier on.” Glorfindel shook his head, “There is nothing to forgive. I understand that adapting to such a life can be trying.” Lathwen snorted and rolled her eyes, “That’s putting it mildly. We have so much to still do and learn…” She motioned to Nestariel and Edhelwen who were playing their card game with enthusiasm. “I don’t know how they find the patience to put up with it all. Come to that I don’t know how they have the patience to put up with *me*.”

Glorfindel answered, “Lathwen…do you not you realize?” Lathwen looked at his suspiciously as she took her hair out of Tirion’s mouth. “Realize what?” Glorfindel shook his head, “That these maidens will follow you wherever you go! They are inspired and guided by you Lathwen…without you, they would be lost.” Lathwen looked at her lap. Glorfindel went on, “You are their best friend and a good companion. They will not desert you in hard times…their loyalty and trust runs to deep for that.”

Lathwen shook her head, “I don’t understand their way of thinking.” Glorfindel answered softly, “Lathwen…surely you must see? You are their light. You are lucky to have friends so faithful…they will not abandon.”

Lathwen frowned and looked down at Tirion who was sleeping. “We should put them to bed.” She said. Glorfindel looked at Antien who was beginning to yawn at last. But both of them stayed where they were, reluctant to have the babies taken from their grasp.

A thought strayed to Lathwen’s mind, and she said softly, “Lord Glorfindel…can you tell me about Gondolin. Before it fell.” She saw him wince and there was a flicker of pain in those bright blue eyes. “Perhaps another time.” He said in an equally soft voice, “And you must learn to call me ‘Glorfindel’.” Lathwen sighed and rolled her eyes, “Does it really matter? ‘Glorfindel’ and ‘Lord Glorfindel’ are really the same person.”
“It matters to me.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m tired of being ‘my lorded’ all of the time. I have enough of that for two lifetimes combined.”
“I’ll remember sooner or later. Old habits die hard.”
“You haven’t even known me for a year, Lathwen.”
“So? It’s called respect Lord Glorfindel…you’re very lucky I show you some anyway.”

Glorfindel raised his eyes to the heavens but didn’t reply. Lathwen positioned Tirion so his elbow wasn’t pressing into her side. “How are things in Lorien? You haven’t told us yet.” She said.

Glorfindel nodded, “Lady Sarethiel and the babe are in stable condition. When I left, the searches had already been conducted and everyone could come out of hiding and go back to their homes. The Lord and Lady have reestablished the security around the borders so nothing will be able to pass without their permission. All fares well.”

Lathwen nodded and stared into the fire. Glorfindel glanced at her and asked hesitantly, “Will you tell me of your home?” Lathwen blinked, “There is nothing of interest there.” She said, hoping to draw him away from that subject. Glorfindel shook his head, “You lie. If you do not want me to know, that is fine. Just say so.”

Lathwen shook her head and sighed in consent, “Lily and I hail from the same place. Though there may be strife, there is also beauty.” Lathwen frowned, “Of course, I wasn’t allowed to see much of it because of my uncle. I will never go back there. Not again.” She ended fiercely.

Glorfindel frowned at Lathwen’s vehement expression. “How can it possibly be that bad?” Lathwen gave him a withering look, “Where we come from Lord Glorfindel…there is evil elves do not think is possible. Children are whipped, raped, beaten, punished for the drop of a hat. There is mercy in some perhaps…but not in the uncle I knew.”

Glorfindel was frowning still, “And what did your uncle do to you?” Lathwen lashed out heatedly, “It is none of your concern Lord Glorfindel!” She scowled but gently laid Tirion in his basket. “I’m going to the river girls!” She called and stalked out of the cave, bringing her weapons with her.


Chapter 23 - Fire in the Blood

Disclaimer; Me no own Tolkien’s estate. Me only own Lily, Lathwen, Eothain, and the rest of those peoples who don’t belong to Mr. Tolkien.

Lathwen stalked down to the river, her breath turning white on the cool breeze.

She reached the bank and began to pace. Why did he want to know? What else would he have asked given the chance? He was dangerous. She couldn’t and wouldn’t allow him to know of her past. It would be a disgrace. Not only that, but he’d find out that she was a mere peasant and maybe even try to take her away from her girls. She didn’t want that to happen. It wouldn’t happen. She wouldn’t let it.

She scowled and shuddered at the thought of being put back in Bree. Stupid elf. Lathwen sighed…she had come to a decision. She wouldn’t tell him anything about her or Lily’s past. He didn’t need to know anyway…it wasn’t any of his concern.

“If you pace any harder you’ll wear a hole in the ground.” A mild voice said from behind her. Lathwen whirled and saw Nestaron standing there. She frowned at him, “So what? I’ve always wanted to pace a hole in the ground anyway.” She growled. Nestaron raised his eyes to the heavens and walked down to her side.

“He didn’t mean any harm Lathwen.” He said slowly. Lathwen lost her scowl but said just as fiercely as before, “I don’t care. He needn’t be so nosy…wait…how do you know about that?” Nestaron smirked, “We could hear every word.”

Lathwen muttered something under her breath. Then she said out loud, “I don’t understand him. The stupid elf chases me across all of Arda…literally…while trying to downsize my reputation and life most likely, then all of a sudden he turns out to be mister nice guy and he lets me take care of his nephews and he acts like he trusts me. Then he wants to know about my past when he won’t even tell me about Gondolin because he doesn’t trust me really, its all an act, and Gondolin really isn’t *his* past…I just wanted to know what it looked like! And he expects me to talk to *him* about *my* past which is the most painful thing I’ve had to…”

Lathwen trailed off when she realized her mistake. Nestaron looked worried, “Painful?” Lathwen scowled, “Never you mind.” She continued pacing, “CURSE THE ELF TO BLAZES!” She shouted to the air while Nestaron winced. “Apparently I did something wrong.” Came a cool voice from behind them.

Nestaron cringed and held his hands in the air, “I said nothing wrong!” Lathwen turned and glared at a disconcerted Glorfindel. She imagined him painted as one of the targets the Imladris elves used for shooting practice. Very satisfying image.

Nestaron fidgeted in the heavy silence, “Er…I’ll be going then…” He practically ran back to the cave. Lathwen placed her hands on her hips and asked, “How long have you been here?” Glorfindel shrugged, “Long enough.”

Lathwen’s mouth dropped open. She had expected him to deny it…but no…he *had* been spying on them! Stupid cheating liar! Lathwen managed to say, “You…you were spying on us? How dare you!”

Glorfindel frowned and walked toward Lathwen, who stood her ground firmly. “You do know that you have sudden mood swings…correct?”
“I do not *my lord*.”
“Really? One moment you are very hospitable and comforting…even worried one might say. The next you…”
“What? I’m what? Say it master elf!”
“A terrifying demon woman with a rage that sparks a wildfire. The Valar would run from you child.”

Lathwen scowled and fought the urge to become violent. How dare he judge her! She hissed from between clenched teeth, “On the contrary my lord…I am *never* and refuse to be hospitable or comforting or kind to a bold as brass elf like you!” Glorfindel gave a bitter laugh, “I’m an elf Lathwen. I, unfortunately for you, am gifted with a wonderful memory. I still remember that night.”

Lathwen blanched and whispered, “What night?” Glorfindel stepped closer to her, causing Lathwen to step back. “Shall I refresh your memory?” He said with obvious delight, “The night you were out riding alone…in the meadows…” Lathwen turned pale and Glorfindel chuckled at her discomfort at the memory. “Remember it now? No? Well let me help you remember.”

He stepped closer to her…Lathwen was now backed against a huge oak tree. Her heart beat faster…she had no weapons…she couldn’t get away from him. Glorfindel smiled wolfishly at her, “I seem to remember,” He said with relish lacing his smooth voice, “That when I was sorrowing, you saw me and came to comfort me. You held me in your arms for a long time…and that is a time I’ll never forget.”

Lathwen’s angry look evaporated and was replaced with flat out fear. Glorfindel chuckled at her expression, “Yes…you heard me Lathwen Alanessa. The time I spent in your arms…surrounded by you was a blissful one. I felt as if I were swept away to a land of dreams.”

He came closer and Lathwen flinched, as pale as death. Glorfindel’s hand reached up and brushed her cheek, causing her to shiver. He let his hand fall to his side and said in a deeper voice, “Would you like to know what I felt?” Lathwen shook her head vehemently, her eyes wide.

Glorfindel smiled, “I’ll tell you anyway.” He paused, enjoying watching her squirm with dread. “Fire.” He whispered, his eyes ablaze with an uncanny light. “Fire in my blood. Love. Desire. Do you know what you do to me?” His voice was barely audible. Lathwen turned her face away, panic rolling off of her like a scent. Glorfindel whispered, “Look at me Lathwen. I desire you. I love you. I will be yours forever.”

Lathwen was visibly shocked, but surprisingly her expression hardened and she said in a rough voice, “You do not love me. You desire a lady you cannot have.”

Glorfindel blinked…shocked at her refusal. After all they had been through together…she refused him…his love…she denied it…

But he did love her. He had showed her in the wrong way. He had been to bold…he had gone to far. He didn’t mean to spill his feelings like that…and now he would pay. He knew it.

Lathwen continued, stepping towards him and enjoying the pained, sorrowful, horrified expression on his face as he stepped backwards. She went on. “You feel nothing for me but lust. Go court some other woman…any lady but one of the Outlaw Maiden’s. I despise you and your actions Lord Glorfindel…after this, you are to never return.”

Lathwen stalked past him toward the cave, which wasn’t far away. Glorfindel blinked and hopelessly groping for the edges of his sanity, “Wait…Lathwen…I did not mean it like that…I did not mean to say that I didn’t mean it! Please…I beg you, listen to me!”

Lathwen whirled, her face terrifying in her white-hot rage. “YOU ARE TO *NEVER* RETURN!” She bared her teeth like a wildcat and growled at him. Literally. It was frightening.

She turned her back on him…and walked away. Glorfindel sank down to his knees with a moan of despair. What had he done?

***
Lathwen startled the others when she stalked back inside muttering curses and swears that even Lily wouldn’t attempt to say. Nestaron and Ridhion were playing cards with Lily, while Nestariel and the diplomat were conversing. Nestariel asked in surprise, “Bessie! What’s wrong?” Lathwen sighed and suddenly her angry countenance slipped away, revealing confusion and sadness.

She beckoned Nestariel over and whispered in her ear for a full two minutes. Each second Nestariel’s face grew more and more horrified. When Lathwen was finished she gasped and cried, “Bessie! You didn’t!” Tears poured down Lathwen’s cheeks, “WHAT ELSE WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO?! HE CANNOT…I CANNOT ALLOW THAT! FOR SO MANY REASONS I CANNOT!”

Lily and Edhelwen rushed over, looking thoroughly alarmed. Nestariel whispered into Edhelwen’s ear while Lily comforted Lathwen. Edhelwen’s mouth dropped to the floor and she shouted, “BY THE VALAR! We should have known something was up!” She quickly whispered to Lily who clamped a hand over her mouth, green eyes wide with surprise.

She looked at Lathwen in dismay, “Oh dear!” Nestaron, Ridhion, and Maetherion were looking worried. “What is it?” Nestaron asked.

At that point, Glorfindel entered the room. Lily shot him a glare and motioned for the girls to follow her. They all trouped into their room where they did their best to be oh so very quiet as they talked.

Maetherion silently turned to Glorfindel, looking for an answer. “What did you do?” Nestaron asked. The elf lord sat in a stool.

Glorfindel rubbed his eyes and said wearily with a bite to his sarcastic voice, “Oh nothing much…just declared my undying love for her…I might have added something about the desire I felt for her...backed her against a tree while we were talking to.”

There was silence. You could hear a pin drop. All of Glorfindel’s companions were staring at him, mouths open and eyes wide. He scowled at them, “Don’t just look at me! Say something! Anything!” Ridhion blinked, “Judging by her personality…I don’t think you’ll be able to speak with her for quite a while.”

Glorfindel scowled, “Thank you. That makes me feel so much better.” Ridhion shrugged apologetically. The four elven males looked up anxiously when the four warrior maidens walked back into the room, faces emotionless.

Lathwen stepped forward, “My lords…I think it is best we parted. The Outlaw Maiden’s are leaving soon. Pardon our sudden lack of hospitality…but we wish you to be gone by the morrow.”

Glorfindel scowled and interrupted, “When will we see you again?” Lathwen rested a cool glance on him. “Why do you ask?”
“So I can see my nephews again of course!”

Lathwen gave him a withering look and said, “You are taking them with you master elf. In answer to your question…never. We will never rest eyes on each other’s faces again. We leave at noon. I expect you will be gone by then.”

Glorfindel roughly stood, causing the stool to topple. “No need to worry my ladies.” He said in a bitter tone. “We’ll be far away by then. Come along friends…we’re leaving.”


Chapter 24 - Leave Taking and Contemplation

Disclaimer; The usual one applies...me no own anything. Never will. K?
Note: Never mind about the end chapter thing...major mix up, which has been fixed. Sorry once more! Really sorry! PPPPPLLLLLLEEEEEAAASSSSEEE forgive me!!!

Lathwen and her girls sat on their mounts, watching the sun come up. Since Glorfy and his gang had left the moment after Glorfindel had announced their departure, they had all decided to leave in the morning instead of noon. They were watching the sun come up one last time in the place they called home.

They had taken all of the food and drink and blankets in their cave, and had been sure to cover the back entrance with brambles and such in the hope that when they returned, it would be undisturbed. When...*if* really. If they decided to return and lead the lives of outlaw's in hiding.

They were going back to Imladris, in the hope that none of Glorfy's gang or the elf lord himself owuld find them. They hoped to remain there for a while. A year or two maybe. They wouldn't stop in Lorien or Fangorn on the way though...they'd ride right through the places they'd found friends at. It was easier that way.

Then again, saying goodbye was never easy. Manwathiel would of heard from Glorfindel about their departure and would most likely search all of Arda until she found them again. But Manwathiel would never betray their hiding place to anyone. Neither would Sarethiel.

The sun rose in a splash of purple, pink, and orange. An array of brilliant colors threaded through the sky, more beautiful a creation than any weaver could make.

"On to Imladris then m'girls'." Lathwen said in a sorrowful voice, and the group reluctantly turned and rode away. They didn't look back.


A/N: Hehe...there's more to come.


Chapter 25 - Back to Imladris

Disclaimer; The usual. You know…I don’t own anything except Lathwen, Lily, Eothain, and the like? What? You’ve never read my disclaimers?! I suggest you do…they can be quite interesting.

One of Lord Adrian’s guards, Gideon, shifted nervously as the cold wind blew toward them. They were near Weathertop…still searching for her. The devious demon girl who’d run off with her uncle’s money and belongings. Or so the lord had said.

Personally, Gideon didn’t believe a word Lord Adrian spoke…but then again, he was only a guard who was trying to earn a living for his family. He had no say in the matter…when you were a guard, you had no opinion. You had no choices.

Gideon’s head snapped up as one of his captain’s cried out, “There she is! I see her!” The cry was soon taken up by all of the others to. Gideon shaded his eyes with a hand and looked toward Weathertop.

Atop the large hill was a figure on a horse. They couldn’t see very well because it was dusk, but they could see that the figure had long hair that blew and waved in the breeze. They saw the outline of arrows and a quiver on the figure’s back, and a bow in its hand.

They knew it was Lathwen. They all knew it, and yet, no one made a move to go towards her. You see, Lathwen appeared on the hill at the very same time every day…and the guards knew it. They saw her appear and disappear, but they never tried to stop her.

That decision was made partly out of fear, partly out of justice. They saw how Lord Adrian had treated the girl…and they all didn’t think it was right. As guards, they were trained to fight and have no opinion, but their underlying sense of mercy won over.

Every day they saw her…every day they went back to Lord Adrian and reported that no one and nothing had been seen. They were lying…and doing so skating on thin ice. But they were lying for the right thing…and still getting paid while doing so.

It seemed like a good deal to them…of course, it would stay that way unless some sneak decided to tattle on them. If that were the case…that sneak was in big trouble.

***
Lathwen sighed as she walked down the corridors to Lord Elrond’s study. The warrior maidens had come here about a week ago, and Lord Elrond didn’t have any free rooms close to each other, so they were spread out. It had taken the Outlaw Maiden’s a few days to settle in…and they had been relaxing ever since. They were even wearing dresses instead of their tunic and legging’s.

Their favorite occupation together was, you guessed it…cards! Lathwen and Lily didn’t participate in that very often, they walked around the gardens, talking about random things while the elf-maidens played their game on the stone benches.

They had fit right in of course…and only a few knew of their real identities. Those precious few being Lord Elrond, Erestor, Beinion, and Arwen Undomiel…Lord Elrond’s beautiful daughter. (Lathwen and Lily always felt humbled in her presence…and not only because of her beauty, but because of her kindness and compassion toward anyone…not only her race.)

Perhaps that was because only those four knew the common tongue which Lathwen and Lily spoke. Those two visitors had yet to learn a decent amount of elvish in which they could converse with other inhabitants.

The past few days they had managed to get ideas of what another was saying through hand motions…but that wasn’t enough most times. Nestariel and Edhelwen had no problem with talking to the Imladris elves of course…their dialects might have been slightly different, but that didn’t hinder them at all.

All in all…they were happy where they were. Everyone was getting along just fine. (That’s gonna change real soon) Edhelwen had been getting along well with Beinion…which Nestariel, Lily, and Lathwen always smiled at. They weren’t idiots…they could see when friendships went a little further…except in the case of Glorfindel and Lathwen.

Anyway, Lathwen was going to speak with Lord Elrond about studying…learning the elvish language. She was also interested in becoming a healer…but she would ask that later, after she and the others had mastered elvish.

As she walked down the halls, she marveled at the workmanship of the tapestries and carvings she saw. Everything here was ethereal. Though she had been here once before…she hadn’t gotten a chance to see all of it.

Lathwen frowned…Lily had found out that her father had left after she and Lathwen had gone on their journey. Lathwen had the hunch that her father hadn’t cared…he only wanted money, not his daughter. Men.

That reminded Lathwen of what Glorfindel had said, sparking her fury. He had cornered her, made her feel weak and helpless…she did not like that feeling at all. Lathwen smirked grimly. That elven lord wouldn’t get another chance to do anything of the sort to her or her girls’. She would make sure of it.

She sighed…where was he right now? Fighting somewhere? Golden hair flashing, glittering in the sun—

Lathwen frowned and forcefully slammed that thought out of her head. What was wrong with her? After all of the things he had done to her, she was still worried about his safety! Lathwen mentally slapped herself and blamed it on her ability to forgive and forget.

She had reached Elrond’s study now, and the doors were slightly open, which was a sign that the Lord had time to speak with anyone who needed him. He wasn’t that busy today apparently.

Lathwen knocked twice, and lightly. Lord Elrond had told her once that she had a signature knock…hers was different than say, Erestor’s, or Lily’s. Lathwen was somewhat amazed that he could tell the person by their knock, but then again, she supposed anyone could do it if they listened closely.

“Enter.” Came the lordly voice of Elrond. Lathwen smiled and opened the door a bit more. She stepped inside softly and closed the door behind her. Elrond was sitting at his desk…a mountain of paper work on the floor beside him, a glass of wine in his hand, and his legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles.

Lathwen grinned upon seeing this, causing Lord Elrond to smile back. “I hope you aren’t busy my lord.” Lathwen said. Elrond shook his head and motioned to the chair in front of his desk. Lathwen walked over and sat down smoothly, sitting in a ladylike way, which was unusual for her.

Lord Elrond asked, “Wine?” Lathwen shook her head, “No thank you Lord Elrond.” She went on, “I’ve come to ask a favor of you for me and my girls’.” Lord Elrond raised and eyebrow and sipped his wine. Lathwen continued, “We’d all…well, Lily and I would like it if we could learn elvish. It’s getting tiresome not understanding…besides, we both think it’s a beautiful language.”

Lord Elrond lifted both eyebrows, “Of course. Why ever would I stop you?” Lathwen shrugged, “No reason…but we needed someone to teach us.” Lord Elrond set down his wine glass and leaned forward onto his desk, fingers touching to make little steeples. “If you ask Erestor, I am sure he’ll be able to arrange a time when he can teach both of you.”

Lathwen smiled and answered, “Thank you so much Lord Elrond! I’ve always lamented my lack of knowledge…” Elrond gave her a grin and picked up his wine glass again. Lathwen stood and curtsied, “Than you my lord.” Lord Elrond nodded regally and took a sip of his wine.

Lathwen raced out of his study, down the hallway, and to Lily’s room where she didn’t bother knocking, but opened the door up instantly and jumped onto Lily’s bed where she was sitting, reading.

“GUESS WHAT? GUESS WHAT?!” Lily, looking slightly disturbed answered hesitantly, “Er…someone you hate died.” Lathwen snorted, “Sure. But on a more serious note…you and I are taking elvish lessons with Erestor!” Lily nodded, “What time? When?” Lathwen sat down next to her friend, “Oh yeah, that’s right…I have to ask him about that.”

Lily yawned and got up, “I’ll do it…I haven’t been out of this room for a while…you go do something else and I’ll report back as soon as I can.” Lathwen saluted Lily with a smirk, “Fine with me captain.” Lily rolled her eyes…was Lathwen overexcited or what?

Lathwen then bounced out of the room and down the hall, wanting to go to the gardens. She passed Lord Elrond’s study again, but paused as she heard puzzled voices within.

“—if they’re all here.” That was Erestor…she was sure of it. “All of them? Of course…why wouldn’t they be?” She heard the rustling of material when Erestor shrugged, “I do not know. To tell you the truth, his message seemed a bit strained. Perhaps something happened.”

Lord Elrond sighed, “Whatever it is, they most likely will not tell us.” Erestor added, “Or maybe he found something out pertaining to them.”
“All of them?”
“Perhaps only her…he wanted contact, but that is impossible considering…”

Lathwen shrugged inwardly and continued on her way. As a visitor, she had never seen Imladris in a hectic stage. But then again, she’d never been allowed to hear the problems and such. Lathwen felt an inkling of pity, but pushed it away. Lord Elrond would do what he thought best for Imladris and its inhabitants…the Outlaw Maiden’s needn’t interfere.

She briefly touched the circlet that had been her mother’s…was she doing the right thing? Coming here and imposing on Lord Elrond’s hospitality with her girls and all? Was she doing the right thing staying away from the home that they had worked so hard on?

Lathwen swallowed but forced herself to think about the next question. Was she doing the right thing, staying away from Glorfindel and the others? Of course she was…

Lathwen was surprised that she felt a bit of self-doubt. Quickly she thought of the many reasons she had decided to stay away…

/Reason Number 1: He doesn’t love me. Number 2: I don’t love him. Number 3: He’s annoying. Number 4: He’s a big selfish prig who thinks I can take care of his problems…not that the twins are problems or anything. Number 5: He needs to stop stalking me…stupid elf. I gave him his forsaken daggers back! What more does he want? Number 6: He’s not going to gain anything from courting me except a whole bunch of sarcasm. And even if we did love each other and ended up getting married…I’m mortal. I’d wither away and die, and he’s be left with a broken heart. We wouldn’t want to be cruel to him, now would we?/

But she already had been cruel to him. She could’ve rejected him in a politer way…but no, the brilliant Lathwen decided to break his heart the hard way. Of course, he’d broken the actual information to her in a hard and improper way to…it was just payback, right?

Lathwen shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts among the colorful gardens and streams in Imladris. She sighed…of course it wasn’t just treatment. It was the wrong thing to do. She frowned, “Honestly, that elf always gets me into trouble I tell you…one more reason to stay away.”

Bah…what’s the point in trying to convince herself when she wasn’t sure? Stupid elf…if they ever met again, she’d give him the worst verbal beating of his life.

Lathwen stopped suddenly when she realized that they weren’t going to see each other again. They had vowed never to lay eyes on each other again. Lathwen snorted, “I’ll hire his mother to do it for me.” (I know that was somewhat random)

Lathwen bent down to smell the roses, which seemed to always bloom in great profusion there. Her favorites were the red and white striped ones…those were beautiful. Her mother had grown them outside of their cottage on trellises. They had been beautiful come spring…but they always died so quickly, unlike the ones here.

“Hopefully everything lasts longer here.” Lathwen whispered. She had only just been hit with the full force of what had been implied. She was mortal. She was going to die sooner or later along with Lily.

Lathwen sighed, she was going to end up like her parents maybe…dead in the place she loved most. “Tanglewood. Home.” She whispered and sat down slowly underneath a slim tree that was near a stone bench.

How long would she live? How long would it be until she got old and wrinkled? She was only eighteen now…but years passed by quickly. On the summer solstice she would turn nineteen years. She would have seen nineteen winters and summers by then. Life seemed to be going by slowly now, but she had no doubt that in the future it would pass through her fingers like grains of sand, and she wouldn’t be able to stop it.


Chapter 26 - Time Flies, But Her Youth Will Stay

Disclaimer; Me no owning nothing. I talk nonsensical babble. It fun. Try at ownie riskie.
Note: All is not as it appears. Good gracious me, quite some math I had to do for this chapter! I hate math!

Indeed, the year seemed to be passing slowly. Autumn came and went, as did winter. It was spring, and the fair roses of Imladris were blooming once more. As did other things…

Lathwen smiled as she walked in the garden with Lily. They were two seasons older, and that wasn’t much. Half a year is all. They hadn’t heard anything or any bit of gossip about Glorfindel and his whereabouts or anyone of the like…because, yes, now the Outlaw Maiden’s mortal leaders could understand most elvish! Occasionally a word would come up that they didn’t know, but all they had to do was ask and it’s meaning would be explained.

“Apparently Beinion had asked Edhelwen permission to court her! Isn’t that wonderful Bess?” Lily said excitedly. Lathwen gasped, “What did she say?” Lily grinned, “She granted him permission!” Lathwen gave a whoop of excitement and clapped her hands. Lily laughed, but suddenly grew grim.

“Which reminds me Bessie…I overheard something quite disturbing yesterday.” Lathwen frowned, “What? Is something wrong?” Lily hesitated, “Depends on your definition of ‘wrong’. I overheard Erestor and Lord Elrond talking…they mentioned us…the Outlaw Maiden’s.”

Lathwen grew suspicious but was silent, waiting for Lily to go on. “They mentioned that someone wanted contact with us…but that person, whoever it was, couldn’t come here for some reason or another. And he refused to talk to anyone of us through a letter…he said in person.”

“Glorfindel.” Lathwen growled, her brows knit together. Lily shook her head, “That was my thought to…but it’s not him Lathwen…his name is…Eothain? He says he knows you…” Lathwen gasped, “By the Valar! Eothain! Sorry Lily…I have to go…”

With that, she lifted her skirts and fled down the path of the garden to Lord Elrond’s room.

***
Lathwen was in Lord Elrond’s room and had just questioned him about Eothain. Lord Elrond nodded, “I see Lily has been eavesdropping…” Lathwen bristled, “Not so! Or at least, not intentionally…and she only did it once my lord! Because she heard our names being mentioned!”

Lord Elrond nodded, “Very well then…you truly wish to know what is going on?” Lathwen nodded emphatically. Lord Elrond heaved a sigh, “Very well…Lathwen Alanessa…you are in danger.” Lathwen snorted, “I realize that my lord…people don’t take to kindly to disobedient women you know.” Elrond shook his head, “No Lathwen…I mean *you* and you alone are in very grave danger.”

Lathwen swallowed, “What do you mean exactly?” She asked carefully. Lord Elrond sighed, “Lathwen…how much do you know about your parents?” Lathwen blinked and laughed nervously, “About as much as any child knows…my father’s name was Thalbarad and my mother’s name was Lireal. My father was a blacksmith and my mother, a seamstress who was once in the court of Lady Eowyn…why do you ask?”

Lord Elrond sighed once more. He stood and walked to the window, Lathwen’s eyes training on him. “I was hoping you would know more about your parents which may help us figure this out…but that seems impossible. Lathwen…there is something you should know.” Lathwen’s eyes went wide but she nodded.

Elrond frowned, “There is a threat to your existence…someone wants you dead, Lathwen.” (Real nice way to break it to her)

Lathwen rubbed her forehead. “I’ve suspected it for a while now, it comes as no surprise.” She said in a shaky voice. “Those men on horseback with their bows aimed for Lily and I. When we were past here at the time...we had already left. But after…” Lathwen frowned and shook her head. “Lord Elrond…after Lily and I left, did anyone come here? Any travelers or such?”

Lord Elrond nodded, puzzled. “Soon after a group of rangers came, looking for Eothain who had just left. A group of elves from Lorien came in with reports from their lord and lady also.” Lathwen frowned, “And Eothain wants to speak with me…” She said slowly.

Lord Elrond caught onto her train of thought, “No Lathwen…it cannot be Eothain. He has a good heart and soul…I saw it.” Lathwen frowned deeper still, but nodded at Elrond’s words. She suspected Eothain. The ranger who had given her the map. And she had actually trusted him. She had told him that she would make it up to him. Curse her trusting nature.

But Elrond had said…

No. It was Eothain. Perhaps his heart and soul changed *after* he had left, therefore Lord Elrond couldn’t have possibly seen if he had gone bad or not.

Aha. So that was it. The new rule of thumb for the Outlaw Maiden’s was going to be: Stay away from rangers’!

Lathwen rose, still frowning…and took her leave. She had to speak with her girls.

***
Explaining it all to them wasn’t the hard part…tearing Edhelwen away from Beinion was. Eventually, they got it through her brain that it was urgent…life and death situation…literally.

After Lathwen had explained it all in a rather fast way…there was silence as the Outlaw Maiden’s contemplated the danger their leader was in. They feared for her…and they would protect her in any way possible.

Nestariel was the first to speak, “Lathwen…it cannot be Eothain…I suggest looking in the library for information on your parents since Lord Elrond seemed to think that they were key. Or Eothain and the rangers. We should look them up to.” Lathwen scoffed, “How in the name of the Valar would my parents end up in a *book*?”

Nestariel answered, “Because they could have been part of something important which is why someone’s out to get you…understand?” Lathwen raised an eyebrow but nodded, “Sure okay…so say they are in a book. How do I know which one?”

Edhelwen laughed, “There are certain sections for different types of books Bessie. Don’t worry though…we’ll all help you.” Lathwen sighed, “I do not think that them being in any book is possible…but I’ll go just to humor you.” Edhelwen smiled and sprang up from the chair, “Onward to the library then girls’!”

***
They had been searching for an hour, and even with the advice of Erestor, they hadn’t succeeded in finding anything yet. They all had a pile of books by their side as they skimmed the chapters and pages, trying to find something about a ranger named Thalbarad, and a Lady of Eowyn’s court named Lireal.

Lathwen was in the middle of a certain book…and had found nothing so far except buckets of dust. She tucked a flyaway behind her ear and yawned. She skimmed the page, her finger tracing her progress. She muttered out loud, “…deceit. Then the lady had the help of…” Wait. Lathwen went up to the beginning of the paragraph.

She read the whole page and turned white as a sheet. She made a series of strangled gasps, causing Lily to turn in worry. “What’s wrong Bessie?” She asked, making Edhelwen and Nestariel turn also.

“Dear Valar!” Lathwen said in a faint voice, “I’m a half-elf!”

The group’s reaction was priceless. Erestor dropped the books he had in his hands, Lily’s eyes were as wide and as round as teacups, her mouth so wide you could see the back of her throat. (Dramatization there…)

Edhelwen choked on the wine she had been sipping, spilling it on the floor. Nestariel pounded her friend’s back a little to hard, causing Edhelwen to tip over slightly…the heavy book on her lap sliding down to the floor where the corner hit Nestariel’s toe.

Nestariel cried out and picked up the book, placing it on a nearby chair. She winced and brought her foot up to rub her toe.

“Eh?” Lily said dazedly. Lathwen shook her head in amazement. “My mother was an elf! DEAR VALAR! I’M A HALF-ELF!” She shouted to the ceiling, the shock hitting her full force.

Erestor shook his head, “Then why are your ears round…like mortals.” At Lathwen’s glare he amended, “Like humans…humans.” Lathwen answered, “It says here that my parents had dealings with Gandalf…Mithrandir…who in Arda is he?”

“One of the wizards…a Maia.” Erestor answered, seeming to have an answer for everything.

Lathwen shook her head and went on, “Because my mother, with the help of my father, had uncovered a plot to dispose of Lord Théoden…she made a blood-oath and swore not to tell for my sake. The men…they had dealings with the Witch King…and they threatened to murder me if she or my father told.”

Lathwen frowned, “Lord Théoden is King…this being the year 3001 in the third age. He has a nephew, Eomer, and a niece, Eowyn. Lord Eomer is 10…and Lady Eowyn is 6. I am 8 years older than Eomer and 12 years older than Eowyn.”

Nestariel snorted, “You said your mother was part of Lady Eowyn’s court? She’s but a child!” Erestor said gently, “It is their way.” Nestariel shrugged and motioned for Lathwen to go on.

Lathwen took a deep breath. “Eothain helped my mother and father flee to safety…my father mostly because *he* hadn’t sworn any blood-oath and was free to tell. But he didn’t to keep my mother and me safe. Anyway…they went to Bree where they disguised themselves and were safe…until the day when I was outside near the creek…something happened to them. It doesn’t say how they died though! I was thirteen when they died…that was 5 years ago!”

Erestor, looking interested said, “Bree you say? So that’s where you’re from. We’ve been wondering for quite some time.” Lathwen sighed at her mistake, but decided that it didn’t matter.

“And then Gandalf comes in…the…the Maia. The wizard. My parents asked him, begged him really to disguise me as a human…a full-blooded human. Gandalf apparently knew very much…and he did so, ‘for the good of the future’ he said. What in Arda was he doing in Bree though, it doesn’t say.”

Lathwen hesitantly reached up and felt her ears. Rounded. Normal. Human. She closed the book. Edhelwen, who had been listening to all this rather quietly said, “So…perhaps your parents death and the threat on your life has something to do with those men who were friends of the Witch King.”

Lathwen shivered and said with a false cheeriness, “Lovely. Peachy in fact. I’m being hunted by the Witch King. Great. I’m fine with that…CURSE IT!”

Lathwen continued to go on for quite a while, ranting about fate and the Valar and curses. Finally, she threw the book down and stalked off, leaving the others to wonder at her strange behavior.

Erestor looked at the others, “Perhaps she needs some time to get used to it.” He suggested. Nestariel sighed, “A lot of time apparently.”


Chapter 27 - The Outlaw Maiden's Chance

Disclaimer; Usual disclaimer applies.
Note: Eh…sorry for this short chapter. I have lots o’ work to do. My computers running a scan for the virus anyway, so I won’t have to keep retyping! YAY!

Lathwen was woken to the sound of shouting and feet pounding on the stone floor of the hallway outside her door. (If elven feet *can* pound) It was the day after Lathwen and the others had been in the library…what a frightening experience that turned out to be.

Lathwen shot up out of bed and rushed to her door. She opened it and saw that several male elves were rushing down the hallways with weapons and some with armor.

“Valar! What is it?” Lathwen asked the closest one. He looked at her in confusion. Lathwen mentally slapped herself and asked again in halting elvish. He answered, “An attack near our borders. A messenger came bearing the news that there was a group of elves from Lorien involved. He didn’t say if they were wounded or outnumbered. We go to help them.” With that, he rushed off with the others.

Lathwen snorted and closed her door, “Early in the morning to! Can’t they make a fuss *silently* so others can sleep?!” She suddenly stopped short and an idea formed in her mind. With a grin, she quickly shed her nightgown and pulled on her tunic and leggings. After putting on her boots, she grabbed her quiver, arrows, and waterskin and headed out the door towards Lily’s room at a fast pace.

Lathwen turned the corner and instantly bumped into someone. “Ouch!” She yelled as she stumbled backwards, holding her shoulder where something hard and sharp had poked her. “Oh! Sorry Old Bess! We didn’t see you!” Lily said in concern.

Lathwen nodded and looked up. Lily, Edhelwen, and Nestariel were all there…dressed and weapons ready. “Looks like you had the same idea as us.” Lily said with a grin. Lathwen laughed. “Let’s go get our horses then! Now’s a good chance to prove our worth to a bunch of stuck up warriors!”

***
Lathwen and Nestariel cantered into view of the battle before Lily and Edhelwen. The elven warriors from Imladris were already there, along with a small group of elves from Lorien who wore green and brown.

At a glance, Lathwen could see that there were more orcs than elves. She heard Lily’s shriek from behind her once she saw the ugly goblins. “So *that*’s an orc!” She breathed. Lathwen sighed, “Unfortunately.” She looked behind her at the others who were looking somewhat pale. “They aren’t as bad as they seem…just keep a straight head, okay girls?” Lathwen said in a cheerful tone. As a matter of fact, she hadn’t been to battle against an orc that wasn’t wounded…so the one at Weathertop didn’t count, and she didn’t know if her piece of advice was accurate.

The others nodded at her and mentally prepared themselves. Lily bent her bow and notched an arrow like Lathwen. Edhelwen and Nestariel loosened their swords in their sheaths. Lathwen didn’t even need to say ‘let’s go’…in one movement she and Lily had let fly their arrows, which thudded into an orc about to split an injured elf in half.

The goblin let out a piercing wail and dropped his blade, then he to, fell to the ground with a ‘thump’ and was still. A few elves from Imladris whipped around and saw the four standing there. Lathwen smiled at them and turned to her girls’. “Ready?”
“As always.”

The Outlaw Maiden’s dismounted and ran into the thick of things, Edhelwen and Nestariel covering Lily and Lathwen’s backs’ as their deadly arrows flew accurately through the air. Most times they aimed for the exposed neck of the orc’s, which was easier than trying to pierce the goblin’s armor.

Nestariel and Edhelwen’s blades flashed in the sun with a blinding light. They were lashing out, blocking, parrying with lethal combinations. Once in a while Lathwen could hear Edhelwen chanting to herself, “Overhand cut, backhand side, parry, parry, and thrust…oh my, it almost got me there!”

Lathwen grinned and kept her arrows coming. There was a lull among the warrior maidens, and Lathwen looked around worriedly. Good, the orcs were almost gone…but they were running out of arrows as well as energy. Lathwen whirled around as she heard a sudden cry from the left side of the ‘battlefield’.

It was one of the elves from Lorien. He was wounded…scarlet elf blood streaming from his forehead because of a deep gash. The orc howled in triumph and raised its black dagger for the killing blow. An instinct caused Lathwen to raise her bow and notch an arrow.

Golden hair turned red with sticky, dark blood. A face paler than moonlight…unnaturally so, even for one of the immortals. Bright blue eyes deeper than the ocean…she was drowning…

Lathwen broke eye contact with the elf pulled her bowstring back. She let her arrow go with a shout that caused the leering orc to look up. His sallow skin went white as newly fallen snow as he realized his fate.

The arrow pierced his neck…his jugular vein. There was silence…Lathwen didn’t hear a sound, everything seemed to slow down for that second. She watched as black blood spurted from the wound, trickling down the orc’s front and splashing onto the pure ground…tainting it. The orc let out a gurgle, causing Lathwen to wince at the horrible sound. The goblin staggered, and then fell across the wounded elf, who groaned but didn’t try to move the carcass.

Lathwen let out a sigh of relief and suddenly it seemed as if her hearing returned. Sound flooded into her ears, each noise loud and commanding. Lathwen turned and saw Nestariel and Edhelwen wiping their blades on the grass, trying to rid their weapons of the slimy black blood that covered it to the hilt.

Lathwen looked down at her hands…they were fine. No orc blood, but dirt and mud. She looked down at her clothing and saw that her leggings and boots were splattered with blood of both the elves and the enemies, as was Lily’s.

Lily. Lathwen looked at her friend’s tired face and gasped. A gash ran from her cheekbone all the way to her chin. Lathwen rushed over and pulled a bandage from her pocket, pressing it on her friend’s face. Taking the bandage away, she examined the wound. Good…it was shallow.

“I’m all right Bess…I’ll be fine. You go help the others.” Lily said gently as she pressed the bandage down again to stem the flow of blood.

Lathwen hesitated, then nodded…and she jogged to the place where she last saw the wounded elf. She saw a hint of wheat colored hair from beneath a body, and went over. She pushed at the body of the dead orc with all her strength, finally tipping it over and off of the Lorien elf.

The male elf stared up at her with wide eyes. Lathwen frowned, but offered him a hand nonetheless. The elf tentatively took it and sprang up, instantly dropping her hand once he was up like it had burned him.

Lathwen let her eyes scan him for a moment as they stared daggers at each other. “I ought to spit on you instead of helping you up.” She said quietly, glaring at him. Glorfindel glared back as he held a hand to the wound on his head, “I doubt your aim would be good enough.”

Lathwen’s eyes narrowed, “If my aim was good enough to save your life, it should be good enough to take it away.” Glorfindel practically growled. He didn’t like death threats. “You wouldn’t though,” He said, “You don’t have the heart to.” Lathwen looked at him a moment longer, “You’re right…but that doesn’t mean I can’t.”

She spun on her heel and strode toward Rosethorn. Lily was already on Wildfire, with Edhelwen at her side, talking to her. Nestariel was walking over to her mount. Lathwen mounted and waited until all of her girls’ were on their horses to say, “Good job girls. I’m proud of you…we did good.”

Nestariel grinned at Edhelwen who smiled back. Even Lily let out a hoarse laugh. The Outlaw Maiden’s rode away before any of the others could even reach their horses. They were home long before the others to bring tidings of the battle.

***
Lathwen was walking back from the baths when she bumped into Erestor. “Hello Lathwen.” The advisor said with a smile. Lathwen grinned back, “Nice to see you again Erestor.”
“I hear you saved quite a few lives in that battle this morning.”
“I suppose.”
“I congratulate you…its not easy to face a battle like you did.”
“Thank you.”
“Not at all…Lathwen, Lord Elrond wishes to speak with you.”
“Does he now?”
“He’s waiting for you in the library with a…er…guest.”

Lathwen frowned, “A guest?” Erestor nodded. Did he seem somewhat nervous or was she imagining it? “A guest. He wishes to speak with you.” Lathwen shrugged, “All right then. Thanks for telling me Erestor…see you at dinner!”

Lathwen walked toward the library, wondering who this elusive *guest* was.


Chapter 28 - The Balance

Disclaimer; I don’t ownz Tolkien’z characterz. I only ownz Lathwen, Lily, Eothain, and the otherz that Tolkien never mentionedz.
Note: Virus is gone finally. I worked my butt off to get you guys this. Please review!

Lathwen tentatively opened the large, heavy doors to the library. She stepped inside silently, breathing in the musty smell most libraries possess. Quietly, she glided down a few isles, wondering at the immense size of the place. Books…old, new, gilded, painted, and each was unique.

Someone cleared his throat, making Lathwen’s head whip to the side. She saw that there were a few chairs at a small table piled high with books. Sitting there were two people. One was Elrond, and the other…Eothain.

Lathwen’s lip curled in a sneer of distrust, but she forced herself to remain of neutral expression. She softly stepped over to the table, but didn’t sit. “A guest my lord?” Lord Elrond gave her a raised eyebrow, which clearly told her to know her place, and not step out of line.

“Yes Lathwen, a guest. Do sit.”
“I’d rather not, thank you all the same.”

Lord Elrond nodded his head slowly. “As you wish. Lathwen, as you know…this is Eothain, one of the rangers who come here more often.” Lathwen eyed Eothain suspiciously but nodded. Lord Elrond went on, “I do believe that he has the answers to some of our questions.”

Lathwen folded her arms, “Let’s get on with it then.” She said shortly. Lord Elrond raised his eyebrow in warning, and Lathwen sighed apologetically before listening to Eothain.

The ranger’s honey colored eyes flashed but he said calmly. “You never told me your true name.” Lathwen frowned impatiently, “And you knew it. You knew that the name I told you was assumed. Please…go on.”

Eothain crossed his arms and his eyes suddenly went dark with recollections. “Your father,” He began, “Thalbarad. A good strong man. A ranger. One of our finest. He fell in love and married your mother. She bore a child…you. Lathwen Alanessa. When you were but a toddler, a small wisp of a thing really…you were so delicate it seemed that a sudden strong wind would blow you away.”

Lord Elrond chuckled at his, but Lathwen said nothing. Eothain’s honey eyes met Lathwen’s stormy grey ones, “But there was a plot to dispose of the Lord Théoden, and your mother found out. A complete accident of course, she was walking to the kitchens when she took a wrong turn and wound up in a dark deserted room…but nevertheless, she found out. She swore a blood-oath not to tell, so as to keep you safe. However,” Eothain shifted, “Your father found out somehow…he mentioned a small leather bound book…but no matter…he found out, and since he hadn’t sworn any blood-oath, he was in danger…all of you were. Thalbarad knew very well that the men who were planning the assassination could easily murder you or your mother, or even he himself.”

Eothain sighed and paused for a moment or two before going on, “Your father hadn’t sworn a blood-oath for a reason…he needed to tell someone and stop the plot. Of course, he didn’t know how he would be able to stay in Edoras without he and his family being hunted down and killed if he told…so away they fled. With the help of the rangers, they sped away by night without any trouble from people or animals. Then you arrived in Bree.”

Lathwen wandered over to an empty chair and sat down in it, completely engrossed in the story. Eothain smiled a bit sadly and went on, “You father gave us a message to deliver to the lord Théoden directly, putting us in much danger he knew…but we could be trusted to do the job, and to do it well.” Eothain laughed softly.

“No one ever found out who had delivered the message, and who it was from…not even Lord Théoden. The lord trusted us…and by trusting us, he was saved from an untimely death. But as the years passed,” A haunted look crossed Eothain’s face fleetingly, but it soon passed.

“As the years passed, those involved with the ruined plot began to suspect Thalbarad. They knew that your mother was still living, so she couldn’t have told. And you were to young to understand such things. Your parents were the only ones who knew about it, except for the rangers. But the murderer’s knew that we hadn’t sent the message…we hadn’t been anywhere near Edoras when the plot was being discussed, and news couldn’t have traveled that swiftly and quietly as to overtake us.”

Lathwen interrupted, “But how did my parents die? Do you know?” Eothain sighed, “Unfortunately. Lathwen…” He paused for a moment before saying; “There are powerful curses in this world…some irreversible. No human man or woman is strong enough to bear such power…only the elves and the Maia and the Valar. It is our belief that a few elves were involved in the plot.”

“What does that have to do with—”

“Lathwen…I’m getting to that.” Lathwen fell silent. Eothain cleared his throat; “We believe that a spell, a curse was cast upon you all before you left. You all couldn’t be trusted not to tell, or at least your father couldn’t if he found out, the assassins knew…and they had to be careful. We have no doubts while you all were out in public, an elf or such cast the spell.”

“But what does that—”

“Patience child! I will tell all if you are able to sit through it!” Eothain said with a slight irritation to his tone. Lathwen clamped her mouth shut and stared at Eothain eagerly.

The weather-worn ranger sighed, “We do not know what elf or elves were involved…or where from. But obviously the curse wasn’t cast on you,” Eothain gave her a curious look, “Or you’ve found a way to override it.” Lathwen raised an eyebrow in question.

Eothain answered her silent query. “If the curse was cast on you, or if it had been and you were still dominated by it…you would be dead, along with your parents. And before you ask, yes, I know why.” Eothain said quickly, holding up a hand to still her questions.

“That curse was somewhat hard to cast obviously…with people around, there were to many witnesses. So they had to find a deadly curse that would work quickly and without any apparent change anywhere when it was cast.” Eothain was silent for many more minutes, thoughtful and brooding.

Lathwen was beginning to become impatient when Lord Elrond took over. “The Mori Fea Curse…I don’t suppose you’ve heard of it?” Lathwen shook her head in confusion.

Lord Elrond went on, “This curse is particularly easy and effective. Once cast…the hosts will wither…languish and die a slow painful death. Though they try, they cannot overcome the sudden weakness. At the point of death, they see all of their regrets and fears along with war and suffering. They die of horror and fear.”

Lathwen’s breath grew short and her face, pale. Of course. Her father, a blacksmith, though good at his job was only trying to overcome the weakness. Her mother, as accepting as always, barely had the strength to do needlepoint…and didn’t try to fend off the curse.

Off in the distance, Lathwen faintly heard a voice say, “Lathwen? Are you faring well?”

Lathwen nodded silently, but beads of sweat gathered on her forehead. Of course…now she remembered…

~~~
Lathwen was near the creek, letting her feet dangle over the side and dip into the cool water. She fanned herself with her stained apron. She was hot…it was a shame she was a girl and she had to be ladylike. If she were a boy, she would be able to wade into the deep part of the creek and splash in the sparkling water to stay cool.

A sudden, sharp stabbing pain entered her chest. It was like ice, yet like fire, burning and freezing her torso until it reached her head. Lathwen shrieked as the pains stabbed her head twice more, causing a migraine. She clutched her temples and hunched down, hoping to wait the pain out. She didn’t have to wait long though…as soon as the pains came, they diminished.

Lathwen sat up straight, gasping for breath as she pushed the stray strands of hair from her braid off of her sweaty forehead. She went home quickly, questioning her mother and father about these pains. Oddly enough, once she asked, her father and mother’s faces became impassive and they refused to answer her questions.

Late that night, Lathwen had heard her mother weeping her heart out. “My child…my poor child!” She said between sobs. Frightened, Lathwen had hunkered down under the covers and stayed there, shivering.

The sudden attacks happened once each year…each on the summer solstice, her begetting day. And each time she told her parents, her mother would end up weeping and crying when she thought Lathwen was asleep, and her father would be whispering reassurances, though his voice was trembling to.

She had never understood….

~~~
Lathwen blinked and came back into the present with a start. Lord Elrond and Eothain were staring at her with odd expressions on her face. Lathwen blushed and apologized, “I’m sorry…I…I was just remembering…” Lord Elrond’s face softened and he said tenderly, as a father would to his daughter, “It is of no matter. There is no shame in remembering.”

Lathwen nodded, “Please, my lord…go on.” Elrond nodded and said, “The time of death varies…depending on how strong the person is. You parents died at the same time on the same day…highly unusual.”

Lathwen frowned, “How so?”

Lord Elrond answered, “Usually, it would be called a mere coincidence…but we know better in this case. Something held them and the curse away from each other for eleven years, something held them in balance until their time of death…which resulted in their death being simultaneous, because the balance was no longer their for one reason or another.”

Lathwen asked, “What is the balance?” Elrond sighed and answered, “We can only guess, but we suspect that it was you.” Lathwen gasped, “I did not cause my parents death!”

Lord Elrond looked at her sharply, “I did not imply that you did so. Being of your parents blood Lathwen, you were connected to them in more ways than one. I’ve eliminated the possibility of your not being cursed because to be the balance, you must also carry the curse.”

Lathwen digested the information and Elrond went on, “Perhaps being of both mortal and immortal blood caused the curse to have no effect on you. That being the case, since you are tied to your parents, your immunity added to their strength, adding to *their* ability to be immune to the curse. However, all your immunity did was to lengthen their period of life…it did not throw off the curse completely.”

Eothain bowed his head, and only then did Lathwen realize the depth of his grief. And regret.

Lord Elrond cast the ranger a pitying look before saying, “Since you are the balance…something pertaining to you must have been out of balance or thrown off completely.”

Lathwen looked at Elrond curiously. The lord went on, “You, Lathwen, had managed to cast off the curse one way or another. And I mean cast it off completely…you weren’t carrying the curse inside of you anymore. Before you cast it off you were immune, yet you still carried it.”

Lathwen nodded, a troubled look on her face. “How did this contribute to my parents death?”

The elf lord winced slightly and sighed, “Lathwen…since you cast the curse off, your immunity was no longer needed. You immunity died away, along with your parent’s strength. You see…your immunity alone kept them living for longer than they would have normally lived without the immunity. So the moment you were no longer immune…they passed instantly.”

Lathwen felt a sob choke her throat.

“I was the balance. I kept the horror and fear back with my immunity because of being of both mortal and immortal blood. Once I threw off the curse, my immunity was no longer needed and died away, leaving my parents weak and so they died. Is that what you are saying my lord?”

Lord Elrond nodded gravely, “Though I wish I were saying differently Lathwen,” He said, “that is the truth. That is what I’m telling you.”

Lathwen swallowed hard, pushing back her emotions. She rose, full of questions, but not daring to utter them. She looked at Eothain and Lord Elrond, both of whom were watching here with unerring eyes.

“Thank you my lords. This explains much to me, and puts my heart at rest. I appreciate this very much.” Lathwen curtsied and upon rising said to the ranger, “I am sorry I ever doubted your loyalty Eothain. Truly I am.”

The ranger smiled, softly and sadly, “I understand.”

Lathwen smiled at him, an apologetic smile, and walked out of the library with a heavy heart.


Chapter 29 - 101 Ways to Be Cruel

Disclaimer; The usual one applies. How many of you don’t know the usual disclaimer? Raise a hand…
Note: This is short, I know. But it will become vital in the future…*hint*

Lathwen walked down the halls as if in a trance. She hadn’t realized so much was tied in to her parent’s death. The curse…the elves…her immortality…too much to handle and think about at the present time. She had to escape…she had to think of nothing until she felt ready to deal with all of the facts.

Taking a sharp, sudden turn, Lathwen veered into the healing ward, aimlessly wandering the halls. She winced as she heard a sudden shouting match ensue between a patient and a healer.

“You’ll stay as long as I tell you to stay!”
“But I’m fine! I can walk, its not as if I have a broken leg! It’s a gash for Valar’s sake!”
“You will not leave until you have my permission! You still need to be inspected! I will send for the guards if need be!”
“AAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!”

Lathwen raised her eyebrows…she had never heard an elf shout like that before…dear Valar…now was obviously a bad time…

Just as she was turning around, she heard a door open and slam shut. In a matter of seconds, a tall willowy male elf was standing in front of her, a look of relief and annoyance on his face. “You. Lady Lathwen…you’ve been heard to have a strong will. You can help me.”

He grabbed her upper arm and marched her down a long hallway ignoring her protests. “What?” Lathwen asked as they stopped in front of a door. The elf turned to her, “Can you help my patient stay here until I return? Thank you, I most appreciate it.”

He opened the door and Lathwen reluctantly walked in. “But I—” Lathwen started, but the door was closed swiftly with a click. She sighed heavily and turned to face the patient.

The room had a bed underneath a wide window, which you could see the gardens from. There was a bookcase and shelves on the opposite wall. Other than that, the room was absolutely plain.

Lathwen examined the back of the occupant, considering he was facing away from her. His golden hair shimmered. “Do not think that you will be able to convince me.” The patient said in a short-tempered voice.

Lathwen rolled her eyes and folded her arms, “How about a knife to the throat? That’s worked the other times.” The patient turned to face her in confusion, “Other times…”

Lathwen cursed under her breath as she saw whom the patient was. Want to take a wild guess as to who it was? Yes, it was Glorfindel.

“Of course,” He said in a flat dangerous tone, “I should have realized whom this was considering the knife comment.” He rudely turned away again, folding his arms. Lathwen sighed, “We cannot go on like this forever, Lord Glorfindel.”
“Says who? And its ‘Glorfindel’ forget the lord.”
“I say.”
“You word hardly counts mortal.”

Lathwen smiled sweetly, “Mortal?” Glorfindel snapped, “Yes, mortal. That’s what you are, aren’t you?” Lathwen heaved an innocent sigh and said, “So I thought.” Glorfindel whirled around, eyes narrowed.

Lathwen grinned, “In a matter of days I’ve found out my true heritage. My mother was an Imladris elf.” Glorfindel’s blue eyes widened.

Lathwen continued, “And of course, I’ve just found out only a few minutes ago how my parents were murdered. Yes, murdered. They were cursed by an elf…or elves.”

Glorfindel frowned, “Lathwen, I didn’t—” Lathwen glared at him, “Yes, I know you weren’t involved! I wasn’t implying that was I?!” Glorfindel shrugged, “It’s something you would do.”

Lathwen’s eyes blazed with a hot white fire. Her lips rose above her teeth in a feral snarl.

“Elves.” She said, voice dripping with distain, “I always pitied them. Especially you. You hold nothing but scorn and pity for humans because of their short lives. I lived as a human…was a human, but then again, I was always an elf. However, I will always consider myself mortal…so I will not condone anymore insults pertaining to my race, understand?”

“That had nothing to do with—”

“Quiet! ‘Mortal’ said in such a manner as you used it is considered an insult to me! You elves laugh and sigh at us weak pitiful mortals. Do you see all we have created? Do you see all of the power we have? Mortals are changing this world Lord Glorfindel! Are you so blinded by your races banal view of us that you cannot see how we really are?”

Glorfindel glared at her, “I do not judge as do others of my kin. I do not insult and I do not view you in a stereotypical manner. Your anger is fueled by frustration at your own life…it has nothing to do with me.”

Lathwen stalked up to him and said, “Oh yes it does! What do you call the interesting greeting I received from your mouth if not an insult? You view us mortals as a pathetic race, and you pity our mistakes. You pity our very beings. That is your view. Would you like to know mine?”

Glorfindel’s face was cold and as unforgiving as steel, “Please…I’m dying to know.” Lathwen blinked, that was as close to sarcasm as she’d ever heard him. When had he learned that? He was in her company much to often it seemed…

“I view elves as a waning race. You are fading, diminishing in number. I pity your fate. Yet, you still carry on about us mortals being weak instead of worrying about your own kind. Speaking of fate…your kind is diminishing because they cross the seas to Valinor. Why have you not gone also? Why do you stay?”

Glorfindel’s face closed, “That is personal.” Lathwen frowned, “I realize that. But do you realize what you’re doing by staying here? You’re condemning yourself to death. If you do not sail, you do not live. You’ve made your choice haven’t you?”

Glorfindel barked, “I stay to avenge those whose death’s were wrongful and wanton! I stay to make up for those who chose to leave!”
“If you stay…you die.”
“I still may sail.”
“But in a while it won’t matter. Even if you sail, you will die. I see the black darkness that consumes your soul. Sorrow, guilt, pain, regret. You stay to rid yourself of those feelings. It will not work. I will say to you once again…you are condemning yourself.”
“I still have a choice.”
“What is the answer?”

Glorfindel was silent and didn’t meet her gaze; his bright blue eyes were now made of ice, and his face of marble. Lathwen knew his answer. “You choose to die.”

She said softly and walked out of the room, holding back the tears that threatened to surface. Fate was cruel…but to make such a choice for nothing but revenge was not fate…it was something she couldn’t understand.


Chapter 30 - The Game

Disclaimer; Three words…I….Don’t….Own.
Note: Again…somewhat short, but I’ve got lots of work to do…seriously.

Glorfindel sat there a few seconds after Lathwen had left. Would he die? He would fade if he didn’t get rid of his grief and anger…and he would die. He could sail to Valinor and be happy for eternity…but he wouldn’t be able to rid himself of the guilt that would pursue him if he didn’t avenge those who *had* died.

Would he die? Would he allow his soul to be eaten away by his emotions until nothing was left and he was an empty shell with no life? So many choices…so little time.

***
“That’s it.” Edhelwen whispered to Lathwen who was at her side. They were both hiding in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment.

Edhelwen had hired Lathwen to help her play a prank on her beau, Beinion, because of the prank he had played on her. Lathwen agreed without hesitation…it was very amusing to see the sweet couples romping about like shameless children.

Lathwen nodded and quickly scampered soundlessly from the doorway to the wall of the garden. She had found that she could be absolutely silent when she wished to be…an advantage to being part elven. Of course, Edhelwen followed silently also, and whispered directions in her ear.

Lathwen smirked and took the basket full of peaches from Edhelwen. Soft peaches. Rotten peaches. Get my drift? Lathwen and Edhelwen stood up on one of the stone benches, their eyes barely reaching above the wall…the shadows covering them up despite the afternoon sun.

Suddenly, two heads appeared from around the corner of the wall. “That’s him.” Edhelwen breathed, her eyes full of laughter. Lathwen was barely able to contain her own amusement. “Ready?” Edhelwen asked, Lathwen nodded and took a peach in her hand. “Now.” Edhelwen whispered and Lathwen hurled the rotten peach toward the male elves.

Edhelwen mimicked her soon after. Both peaches burst upon contact, spraying the shocked elves with peach juice and fruit. Lathwen and Edhelwen threw a few more and then dropped the basket. They giggled as they heard the shouts and laughter of the ellon’s and they made a beeline for the door.

They hurriedly went inside and closed the door, leaning upon it while gasping for breath. “Now what?” Lathwen asked curiously. Edhelwen’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Now we run. And hide. Like a never ending game of hide-and-seek until either they find us, or we get tired.”

Lathwen was puzzled. Edhelwen sighed, “Well….we run and they try and chase us. It involves hiding most often so I called it a game of hide-and-seek. Understand?”

Lathwen grinned and nodded. They heard voices floating in from the window. “RUN!” Edhelwen yelped and the girls lifted their skirts and ran like the wind through the many corridors. Thankfully, not many people were occupying the halls, but the few that did stepped aside to let the girls’ go past. Like wildfire they flew, until Edhelwen stopped suddenly and yanked open Lily’s door pulling them both inside.

A surprised Lily looked up along with Nestariel and Nestaron. Understanding flooded Nestariel’s face, “Beinion?” She asked. Lathwen nodded. Nestaron looked at Lily in confusion as she laughed.

The male elves voices could be heard coming down the hallway. “Valar they’re good!” Nestariel said in awe. Edhelwen sighed, “Unfortunately. Come on Bessie! We can’t let the game end so quickly!”

Lathwen looked around wildly and spotted the open window. “Come on!” She hissed to Edhelwen. “If only I were still in leggings, it would be much easier.” Lathwen said in disappointment as she climbed up onto the windowsill and quickly shimmied out, dropping down into the garden below. Edhelwen quickly followed her and they both ran toward the orchards.

“We should split up and make the game more amusing.” Edhelwen said thoughtfully. Lathwen snorted, “But they haven’t even caught up to us yet! Can’t we r—”

“I SEE THEM!” A familiar voice yelled from behind them. Edhelwen laughed, “Were you going to say ‘rest’ Bessie?” Lathwen giggled, “Never mind!” She sped off to the left while Edhelwen went to the right.

Lathwen ran through many apple, orange, pear, and peach trees, dark hair streaming behind her. She ran like a deer, fleetly and silently. She grinned, exhilarated at her speed. Lathwen gasped as she saw a clear blue lake shimmering before her. She stopped quickly at its edge, trying hard not to fall in.

Once she regained her balance, she pushed her messy hair out of the way and dropped the hem of her green dress. Relaxing, Lathwen hummed and walked leisurely around the lake and found a nice oak tree to sit in. Halfway up she sat against the trunk on a thick branch.

Her breathing had slowed and she listened to the pleasant chirping of the birds. She looked below and instinctively huddled into the shadows. Below there was an elf with golden hair, the remains of peaches in his braids.

Glorfindel.

What in Arda was he doing out of the healing ward?! Why was she so foolish as to have thrown peaches at him?! Rotten ones no less!

Glorfindel walked with feline grace toward the pond and knelt down. He washed his hands, pulling the peaches out of his hair and using the water from his hands to dampen his braids. There was a laugh and Beinion came running over, and then pushed the surprised Glorfindel into the pond with a splash.

Glorfindel quickly surfaced, dripping and shouting curses and thunderous oaths at Beinion who was holding his sides in his mirth. “So you haven’t caught her then?” Beinion asked his wet friend as he came out of the lake.

Glorfindel gave him a wry look, “Surely you jest. Finding an Outlaw Maiden, not to mention the leader, is certainly difficult.” Beinion sighed, “I haven’t been able to catch Edhelwen either, though I’ve seen her upon many occasions.”

A giggle came from the other side of the pond and the male elves looked up. “AHA!” Beinion yelled and charged after Edhelwen who was already fleeing toward Lord Elrond’s house. Lathwen couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her tightly closed lips.

Glorfindel stiffened a moment, listening. Then shaking his head, he ran swiftly with elven grace toward the place he had entered the lake. He was backtracking apparently.

Lathwen waited a full minute before letting her laughter ring through the clearing. Quickly, she jumped down from the oak tree and landed with bent knees, which helped to absorb the shock of the sudden landing.

She sprang up and walked lightly to follow Glorfindel with a bounce in her step and laughter in her smiling eyes.

Lathwen quickly walked past the bunches of orange trees, the rows of peach trees, and was in the section with apple trees which grew in great abundance, the lush orchard mostly composed of them.

Lathwen slowed to a halt, feeling the warm breeze filter through her dark hair. She sighed in contentment, but then let out a gasp of surprise. Why?

A pair of muscular, damp arms encircled her waist and held her firmly against a lithe, yet strong body. Lathwen felt the damp hair tickle her exposed shoulders. After all, she had been wearing one of the off the shoulder dresses.

Lathwen felt the vibration of Glorfindel’s chuckle as she realized that she had been caught. “I win.” Glorfindel said cheerily. Lathwen sighed, “I suppose you do. And I also suppose you will not let me forget this for a while.”

She could hear the smirk in his voice as Glorfindel answered, “Oh no…I could not possibly let you forget this.” His arms pressed her closer to him…uncomfortably close in Lathwen’s perspective. Lathwen stiffened, “*Lord* Glorfindel…”
“Glorfindel. Just Glorfindel.”
“Glorfindel then…let me go.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Do it.”
“Do I have to?”

“Yes.” Lathwen answered firmly. Like a disappointed child, Glorfindel slowly let his arms fall to his sides. Lathwen quickly stepped away from him. She turned to face the elf lord, and said, “I have to go.”

A look of disappointment crossed Glorfindel’s face, “One more game?” He asked, “Please?” Lathwen stood there, about to reject the offer when she saw the expression on his face. Loneliness.

Glorfindel, elf lord of Gondolin…a venerated warrior and leader was asking the leader of the notorious Outlaw Maiden’s to play with him. He was lonesome. Truly lonely.

Pity sprang into Lathwen’s heart and she considered the options. A grin spread on her face and she said, “One more game. And this time, you’ll loose.” With a whoop, Lathwen sped off toward Elrond’s house with Glorfindel close behind.

Somehow, Lathwen managed to loose Glorfindel, and he couldn’t find her trail at all. After an exhausting hour of searching, Glorfindel gave up and retired to his rooms. The next time he saw a triumphant Lathwen was at dinner. She gave him a challenging smile, and he didn’t see her again for the rest of the night.

***
Lathwen retired to her room unusually early that night. She was tired out from all of the running and hiding. But to her credit, she had managed to avoid him. A grin tugged at the corners of her mouth and she let out a pure laugh.

But then her triumph was dampened as the facts revealed to her at her meeting with Eothain and Elrond surfaced again in her memory. She frowned now, scowled actually, and pondered the many things she had learned.

She had to find the elves. She had to find the one who had cast the curse. She would have to find out many things though, before she was able to do that. Lathwen’s heart quickened as she remembered the small leather bound book her father had mentioned.

A diary. Her mother had kept a diary. Lathwen had often seen her writing in it as a child…but where was it now? Lathwen paced restlessly, her thoughts colliding and consolidating, making it impossible to think things out.

With a sigh of frustration, Lathwen gave up, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to think clearly at this time of night. In the morning she would find out more…she would find out where her mother’s diary was.


Chapter 31 - The Traitor

Disclaimer; The usual one applies.
Note: And all shall be revealed…

Erestor would know where it was. He knew the whole library and all of the other records like the back of his hand. He could help her.

Lathwen practically ran through the halls the next morning in her eagerness to find her mother’s diary, in which was written many clues. Many vital things that no doubt people would kill for. She was wearing her tunic and leggings…not a dress, because she had anticipated the hard work it would be to find such a secret thing.

Lathwen burst into the library and careened down the rows of shelves and finally skidded to a halt at Erestor’s desk in the front of the library. Erestor raised his eyebrows at the panting half elf in front of him. He put down his book and folded his hands. “Can I help you?”

The leader of the Outlaw Maidens rolled her eyes at his teasing sarcastic tone and nodded. “Yes. I need you to find my mother’s diary.” Erestor’s eyebrows rocketed to his hairline, “Diary?! Lathwen, you have no idea how hard it will be to find such a thing! She’d most likely have hidden it in Bree.”

Lathwen shook her head, “No, no! I would have seen her write in it if that were so. I remember my mother writing in it when I was a child. Since she couldn’t possibly have left it in Edoras for fear of being discovered, and she didn’t bring it to Bree…she must have hidden it in her homeland!”

Erestor blinked, “Fear of being discovered? Do you mean the treason she swore not to tell was discovered?” Lathwen nodded emphatically and said, “Since you know ever book that’s ever been on these shelves I thought you could help me.”
“Lathwen, there are thousands of books here.”
“I realize that. But this one was different. It was small…pocket size I should think, and it was leather bound.”

Erestor sighed in a weary way and ran his hand through his raven hair. He fixed his piercing gaze on Lathwen for a moment and said, “There are only three such books I know of. One of them was borrowed by one of the Lorien elves.”

Lathwen motioned impatiently, “Well?! Where are they?” Erestor glanced at her before taking one off of the desk and handing it to Lathwen who eagerly rifled through the pages.

To her disappointment there were only herbal curse written in it…nothing more. Lathwen shook her head and placed it back on the desk. Erestor motioned to her, “Follow me.” He said simply, and walked off.

Lathwen swiftly followed, finding it hard to keep up with the swift step of the advisor. Erestor led her down many rows of books and shelves, past many doorways until she was dizzy with the enormity of it all.

Finally, Erestor stopped at one of the lesser-known rows of books and walked down the row, muttering to himself. His finger trailed along the binding of the books until he stopped at one in particular. With a triumphant cry, he drew the book from the shelf with a smile and handed it proudly to Lathwen.

Again, Lathwen examined the book. A field guide. Lathwen sighed in disappointment, “No.” She said softly and placed the book gently back in its proper place. Erestor’s face fell and he said, “I am sorry I could not help Lathwen.” He silently turned away but Lathwen’s voice stopped him.

“Wait! What Lorien elf borrowed that other book?”
“I do not know. You should ask my assistant, Arenion. He’ll be at my desk waiting to complain about something if I am correct.”
“I will! Thank you so much Erestor!”

Lathwen sped off before Erestor could get a word in. Her speed made a small wind, which blew pieces of stray hair from Erestor’s braid. He blinked and shook his head, a smile of amusement on his lips.

***
Waiting impatiently at Erestor’s desk was a particularly young elf. He had dark features, but surprisingly light green eyes. He looked up instantly as Lathwen barreled over to him. His confusion was clear, but Lathwen said quickly, “Pardon me Arenion…but do you recall the name of the Lorien elf who recently borrowed a small leather bound book?”

Arenion frowned, “Indeed. Ridhion I believe. And you are…?”
“Lathwen. Lathwen Alanessa. Thank you ever so Arenion!”

Lathwen pounded toward the doors to the library, her footsteps echoing her very thoughts.

*Traitor* *Traitor* *Traitor*

Oh Valar, it couldn’t be Ridhion! She refused to believe it…

*Traitor* *Traitor* *Traitor*

No! Glorfindel trusted him! Wildfire and Rosethorn trusted him! *She* trusted him! No! He couldn’t be a murderer…not Ridhion…

*Traitor*

It can’t be!

*Traitor*

NO!

Lathwen’s forehead was damp with sweat. No. Not Ridhion! Valar, please! Her heart beat faster than a hummingbird beat its wings. But Ridhion was her friend! Glorfindel trusted him!

But do you trust Glorfindel?

Of course! Well…

*Traitor*

Oh blast my foolish act! Of course I trust him! I care about his welfare and safety and….oh gods. Oh Valar. What in Arda has come over me?! He does not feel for me, nor I him!

Liar.

Shut up! Stupid conscience…

*Traitor* *Murderer* *Traitor*

Lathwen careened down the halls, tears streaming down her cheeks unchecked. She ricocheted off of the walls and the elves that occupied them in her frantic eagerness to get to Ridhion’s rooms.

She had one more hallway to go before she confronted the treacherous traitor and strangled him with her bare hands. Conscious now of her disheveled appearance; Lathwen halted her flow of tears and smoothed her hair after shaking the wrinkles out of her dress.

She turned the corner and who did she bump into but Ridhion. She had to struggle to keep from glaring at him with her fury and hatred. Funny…for a murderer he looked cheerful…and concerned. But appearances are deceiving…

“Are you all right Lathwen? I’m so sorry! I did not mean to…” He said as he offered her a hand up. She sprang to her feet without his help.

“As divisive as always I see.” He said with a grin. Lathwen grinned back, but the grin didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m sorry Ridhion…I’m off to visit a friend…I can’t chat now.”

The male elf bowed elaborately to her and said, “Then I shall not keep you my lady.” Lathwen laughed and smiled at him, saying one last goodbye before rounding the corner completely.

She lost her smile instantly. Good…the traitor was out of his rooms. That meant she could go in.

Lathwen walked down the hall before coming to Ridhion’s rooms. His door was slightly ajar…but nevertheless Lathwen looked up and down the corridors before entering. She slipped through the opening fluidly so that the door didn’t creak.

Lathwen stood still for a moment, straining her ears to hear any sound of movement. She heard nothing but her heart beating loudly like a drum. She swiftly walked across the room and began her search.

She quickly opened the drawers to his desk and found nothing. She looked under his pillow, under the bed, in his wardrobe, and in any other drawer she could find…and yet, found nothing.

Scanning the shelves in Ridhion’s room, Lathwen calmed herself.

/Okay now girl…if you were Ridhion what would you do with the diary?/
/Hide it. Disguise it./

Disguise it! That was it! It was disguised as some other book! Lathwen eagerly scanned his shelves once more and her eyes triumphantly came to rest on a small book at the end of the row. She plucked it from the shelf and pulled at the cover. She gasped when it fell off to reveal its leather binding.

Trembling, Lathwen opened it up and caught sight of her mother’s familiar smooth, even writing. Tears pricked her eyes once more, but not tears of anger…tears of remembrance. Tears of relief.

Lathwen dashed them away impatiently, remembering what danger she would be in if caught in Ridhion’s quarters. Gracefully, Lathwen hurried across Ridhion’s room and slipped out of his door again.

Heart still pounding, she set out at a fast pace down the corridor, squeezing the small book between her hands, trying to hide it from sight at the same time as ensuring that no one could take it.

Lathwen broke into a run as she heard a shout come from the hall behind her. Afraid someone had discovered her, she ran faster, panting and eyes wide. She ran to Lord Elrond’s study, and silently thanked the Valar that his door was partly open.

Impetuously, without knocking, she burst in and said, “Lord Elrond! I think I know—” She stopped short at the sight before her.

Ridhion was standing in front of Lord Elrond’s desk where the lord sat. Both elves stared at her in amusement and shock. Lathwen grew pale and she trembled violently upon seeing Ridhion.

Ridhion’s eyes narrowed suspiciously as he saw the almost hidden object in her grasp. Lathwen swallowed and took a step back. She said in a small voice, “I’m sorry my lords…perhaps now is a bad time…I will return later…”

“No Lathwen, its fine.” Ridhion said hurriedly. Was that a note of panic she heard in his voice? “I had just finished. Thank you my lord.” Bowing to Lord Elrond and then to Lathwen, Ridhion walked quickly from the room.

Elrond raised his eyebrows at Lathwen, “What is it that is so important that you had to rudely interrupt Ridhion’s business with me?” Lathwen blushed and said, “My Lord…I know who killed my parents.”


Chapter 32 - A Deadly Feast

Disclaimer; I DON’T OWN ANYTHING!
Note: Feedback on this chapter! Good? Bad? Do you want to come after me with a pitchfork?

Lathwen swallowed and wrung her hands till they were red. She smashed her head against the wooden door for the fifteen hundredth time that evening. “Calm down Old Bess…nothing’s going to happen.” Lily said soothingly.

Lathwen turned to her friend in despair, “You don’t know that! I’m absolutely sure he’s found out!”

Nestariel rolled her eyes and sighed at her leader’s dramatics. They were in Lathwen’s quarters, and she had explained to them excitedly what Lord Elrond and Eothain had told her about her parents. Then she sobered and whispered the last part about how she had snuck into Ridhion’s chambers and found out the murderer.

Needless to say, the girls were shocked, and demanded proof. Lathwen held up the diary and opened it to the first page. Edhelwen frowned, “Well then…who’s the murderer? The curse caster? The one who made your life so miserable?”

Lathwen had told them, with a grave voice. Nestariel moaned, and rubbed her temples, “Wait, but I thought it was…”

“So did I,” Lathwen said, “But when I read more of my mother’s diary, I found out that it wasn’t him at all.” Edhelwen laughed hysterically, “So all this time we’ve been conversing with a murderer who wants to slay you still Lathwen!”

Lily blinked and murmured, “We even let him into our home in Tanglewood…Valar, I don’t know how you survived Lathwen! He would have surely killed you given the chance! You know to much.”

Lathwen sighed, “Which is why I’m worried about tonight. If he was able to cast the curse in public, he will be able to curse or kill me or any one of you again!”

“Nothing’s going to happen.” Nestariel told her in a firm voice. “What if it does?” Lathwen asked disparagingly. “I’d be responsible if one of you died! Or Glorfindel, or Nestaron, or one of the Imladris elves!”

Edhelwen said slowly, “We should form a plan…” Lily groaned, “Not again Ellie! You said that we wouldn’t have to after the little…escapade…with Glorfindel’s men! No more plans!”

“Do you want anyone to die?”
“No…”
“Then listen! We’ll bring our weapons to the banquet…Nestariel and I will be able to hide them underneath the cloaks we’re going to wear, but you and Lathwen should be able to hide your arrows and bow underneath a table…the one with the punch and wine.”

Lathwen blinked, “You’ve been thinking about this for a while now, haven’t you?” Edhelwen shrugged and grinned, “I make up plans just in case…this just happened to be one of them that I haven’t used yet.”

Lily sighed, “I hope it works…and just to be safe Lathwen…we’ll keep a dagger with us.” Lathwen nodded in obvious relief, but then said, “But what about the others? They’ll be in danger to! An arrow’s flight could go astray and a dagger could slip!”

Lily soothed her friend, “It will be fine…we’ll go warn a precious few of Glorfindel’s men. Okay?” Lathwen nodded weakly and walked over to her wardrobe. She flung it open and said to the others; “We’ll get ready and meet in the hall outside of my room…weapons and all.”

The others had hastily agreed.

***
Lathwen banged her head against her wooden door once more, and looked up in time to see Edhelwen walking hurriedly down the halls, a wary expression on her face.

She was wearing a soft sea foam green gown, which pooled about her feet. Nestariel was wearing dark purple with a gold trim. Lily wore a dark blue, which had silver lace around the hem and sleeves and a bit peeped out of the neckline. Lathwen herself was wearing a slim white dress with green ribbon lacing the hem, sleeves, and neckline.

Nestariel was wearing a graceful cloak that matched her attire and behind it were her hidden sword. Edhelwen also was wearing a white cloak, her sword not visible. Lily and Lathwen however, had their bows at their feet, their dresses hiding them from view.

Edhelwen smiled nervously, “Are we ready?” Lathwen nodded and took in a deep breath. “Ready.”

Together, the Outlaw Maiden’s walked in, pasting on false smiles…well, most of them anyway. Lathwen looked grave, but her eyes twinkled as she looked at all of the food, colors, dancing, and singing going on. “Beautiful!” Lily breathed beside her.

Lathwen grinned and nudged Lily when they stopped near a table with wine placed on it. Nestariel looked back at them to grin and engaged the people there in conversation, giving Lathwen and Lily time to discreetly place their weapons underneath the table. The white tablecloth was thankfully very long and would hide whatever was under there. Which was why Lily and Lathwen didn’t see a hulking shape cowering underneath.

“Lathwen!” A voice called out, causing everyone around them to turn. Lathwen grinned when she saw Beinion and Glorfindel both coming her way. Beinion smiled gently at Edhelwen and clasped her hand in his.

His smile was soon replaced by a somber expression and he asked in a whisper, “Is it true? What Lily said.” Lathwen nodded tiredly, “Its true. I hope your men are on their guard…I’d feel so horrible if something happened to them.”

Beinion nodded seriously, “Don’t worry. We’re all on the lookout.” Lathwen shuddered at those words.

***
The night wore on, and the banquet was nearing its end. Glorfindel had managed to keep Lathwen going for three dances before she sat down. Lily soon joined her and they chatted about random things, murderers and curses far away.

Glorfindel tired of that talk, and muttered something about going over to speak with Nestaron. Lathwen nodded absentmindedly and kept talking with Lily, both laughing and smiling while they drank their wine.

A sudden silence caused Lathwen and Lily to look up. Glorfindel was in the middle of the empty dance floor, looking furious…Lily later swore that she could see deadly laser beams melting the floor.

Lathwen gasped, “GLORFINDEL!” She sprang from her seat and succeeded in running to the edge of the dance floor when someone held her back. Ridhion laughed into Lathwen’s ear, “We’ll be having none of that Miss Lathwen.”

Maetherion tightened his grip on Glorfindel and gave Lathwen a wicked smile. “See this knife I’m holding Lathwen?” Lathwen nodded coldly, trembling slightly.

“Make one wrong move and you’ll be digging his grave. In fact,” Maetherion addressed everyone there, “Anyone move and he’ll die. Understand?”

“This is not necessary.” Lathwen said icily, “You want me, not him.” Maetherion gave her a wild grin, “How else could I keep you from running away?”

Lathwen’s eyes flickered through the crowd and they locked with Nestaron’s. He nodded and melted away in the mob.

Lathwen hastily thought…she needed to keep him talking. “Nonsense,” She said, “It would have been much easier to get one of my girls…no offense ladies.”

Maetherion grinned wildly, a deranged look lighting his face, “Ah…you think we cannot see the swords hidden underneath then?” Lathwen swallowed, “We?” Maetherion grinned, “Yes…we.”

As if on cue, two more strange elves of Imladris came forward, bows ready and arrows pointed at Lathwen. The leader of the Outlaw Maiden’s smiled slowly, and then started to laugh.

Lord Elrond though, wasn’t amused. His eyes were dangerous pinpoints of light, his face in a scowl of anger and disgust.

Ridhion tightened his grip on her arms, cutting off key points of circulation. “That’s good.” Lathwen said in an amused tone, “That’s really good. I’ve been needing a couple of laughs ever since that escapade on Imladris’s borders.”

“I’m glad it amuses you that your death is so near,” Maetherion chirped happily. Lathwen rolled her eyes, “Sure. But before I die, may I be permitted one question?” Maetherion raised and eyebrow and Lathwen grinned.

“Did your parents drop you on the head when you were born? Because I mean…how else would you have become such a deranged idiot if not from being dropped on the head? But I suppose they couldn’t help being surprised at the hideous face they saw before them…did they die of shame?”

If there’s one thing that would insult an elf more than you laughing at his lineage, it was insulting his appearance, which they obviously prize highly. Maetherion let out a roar that was more animal than human. “KILL HER!”

Lathwen stiffened and turned her head toward the archers. “Say goodbye.” Ridhion whispered into her ear. Lathwen watched as two shadowy figures crept up behind the archers and knocked them out with the hilt of their swords. The archers let out a groan and slumped to the floor, revealing Edhelwen and Nestariel.

Nestariel flounced away back into the crowd, who was babbling excitedly. Edhelwen spit on the archers before following Nestariel. Lathwen thought desperately…she had no idea where they were going.

Lathwen kicked backwards and heard Ridhion curse as her foot connected with an area that men consider vital. “Goodbye!” She said brightly.

Suddenly she froze, remembering Glorfindel. Maetherion wouldn’t hesitate to carry out his threat. She slowly looked towards him, and saw that Nestariel had engaged Maetherion in a swordfight while Nestaron was crouched on the floor, guarding Glorfindel who was somehow unconscious.

Lathwen swore loudly, drawing cries of shock from the ladies of Imladris and laughs from the men. Why did she react thus? One archer and one swordsman pushed out of the crowd and rushed toward Lathwen.

“HEY LILY! TOSS IT!” Lathwen shouted across the room. Lily was positioned at the table and had gotten Lathwen’s bow and quiver out. Suddenly, Lily screamed in agony as a hand came out from underneath the table and stabbed her calf. (Why is it that she’s always the one who gets hurt?)

“NEVER MIND! HANG ON LILY!” Lathwen screamed in a panic. She turned and saw the swordsman rushing for her. Lathwen pulled the dagger from inside her sleeve and ran at him. She ducked his blade, feeling the air whoosh as it passed through the air.

She whirled around quickly and slashed the dagger down, leaving a foot long gash in the elf’s sword arm. The elf gasped in pain and dropped his sword, which Lathwen immediately picked up. “Thanks…stay here will you? I’ll deal with you later.”

She lifted her skirts and ran at the crowd, sword wielded. The crowd parted, letting her through to the wine table where the man had knocked out Lily and was attempting to drag her away. Yes, it was a man this time…not an elf.

Lathwen let loose a whoop and before the man could turn around, she hit the back of his head with the sword hilt. He let out a groan and fell to the floor, dropping Lily who was pale and unconscious still. Lathwen let out a sigh of relief and pushed strands of hair out of her face.

She pointed to one of the archers she had seen practicing in the ranges before. “You…watch over Lily. Whack the man over the head again if he wakes.” The archer grinned, “Anything for the Outlaw Queen.” Lathwen rolled her eyes but smiled her thanks.

She hefted the sword in two hands and ran through the crowd again. She paused and examined the situation.

Nestaron was up, and now fighting with the archer, whose bow lay broken on the floor. Nestariel was nursing an injured…finger? Yes, her middle finger was bleeding and at an odd angle. Edhelwen had taken over the fight with Maetherion, who looked mad…absolutely frightening.

Glorfindel…Lathwen looked around and her eyes widened in surprise as she saw that he was charging toward her. Glorfindel was motioning to her side, saying something she couldn’t hear above the crowds panic and shouting.

Lathwen looked to her right and saw in horror that an archer was aiming for her. He let the arrow go the second she turned to face him. Lathwen watched the arrow fly toward her, heart beating erratically.

But it never hit her. Something smashed into her side, knocking her down. The sword left her hand and skidded across the floor. Lathwen looked up, panting, and saw Glorfindel on the floor next to her.

“Where in Mordor are they coming from?!” Lathwen asked. Glorfindel shrugged and answered, “That’s the last of them…they were all hiding before.” Lathwen cursed and scrambled after her sword as the archer notched another arrow on his bowstring.

Lathwen saw Nestariel running behind the archer out of the corner of her eye. A pain in her shoulder made her gasp, but she pushed it aside and watched in satisfaction as Nestariel knocked the archer out.

Wincing at the ache in her shoulder, Lathwen rushed over to Edhelwen, whose face was drawn and pale. She was tiring, but Maetherion was as strong as ever.

As Maetherion disarmed Edhelwen, Lathwen rushed to her friend’s side and brought her sword up to block Maetherion’s would be killing blow. Maetherion’s dark eyes narrowed and he grinned ferociously, his teeth pointed like a tigers.

“Ah Lathwen…I’ve been wondering about your talent with swords. Your bow is notorious, but I haven’t heard about your skill with a blade. I’m honored to be the one to judge it myself.”

Lathwen raised and eyebrow as Maetherion backed away from Lathwen. “Sorry elfie…but I don’t think backing away is gonna do much good. You don’t have a good vantage point from which you can judge.”

She followed Maetherion as Edhelwen walked over to Nestariel who was guarding Lily’s vulnerable body on the side of the empty dance floor. Glorfindel and Nestaron were busy dragging the unconscious archers and such over to the side where they tied them up and gagged them. Ridhion was the only one conscious among them…the evil, pathetic, slime.

Lathwen focused only on her enemy…the one who had killed her parents, and almost killed her.

“So,” Lathwen began as if they were having a civilized polite chat about the weather. “Why do you want to kill me? You murdered my parents already.” Maetherion grinned evilly, “For several reasons.”

“Oh?”

Lathwen thrust toward him, but he easily blocked it. They prowled in a circle around each other, eyes never leaving their enemy’s weapon.

“Firstly, it would be a further punishment for your parents. Their little girl…dead. Lovely picture don’t you think?” Maetherion dove at her with an overhand cut. Lathwen stepped to the side and he stumbled past her, “Delightful.” She said dryly.

He whirled to block her attack. He continued, “Secondly…it rids me and my fellows of all the people who know.” Lathwen laughed, “Maetherion…there are other people who know…and it doesn’t look like your fellows are doing to well right now.”

Maetherion ignored her and blocked her backhand side, jumping a bit to avoid it. Lathwen gave him a smile, “A bit frightened now, are we? But please, go on with your little tirade.”

Maetherion gave a mock bow, “As you wish my lady. Revenge…bloodlust actually, I admit it. Your parents were foes of my family long before you were born…payback is in order.”

Lathwen was unconvinced, “That was it? Only three pathetic reasons?”
“Only reasonable in the eyes of a killer.”
“Oh, so *now* we’re owning up to the crime? Well you’re a damn half decade to late!”

Lathwen growled and lunged at him, engaging him in a brutal swordfight. Parry, thrust, thrust, backhand side, overhand cut, parry, overhand cut, block…

Lathwen was attuned only to the savage elf in front of her. Maetherion. Warrior. The very name made her shudder with disgust. What warrior would cowardly curse someone and not own up to it? A crazy, idiotic, imbecile of a warrior is what.

She wondered how Glorfindel was feeling…having a friend betray him. A best friend to, the worst possible kind of betrayal. It wasn’t that hard to guess actually; sorrow, anger, hurt, and confusion…most likely many more emotions, but at least Nestaron was there. Ridhion, the scum of the earth sure hadn’t been any help at all. Lathwen silently hoped that her girls would help Glorfindel to...he’d need it.

Maetherion growled and made a half-hearted attempt to attack Lathwen with a thrust. She could see he was tiring…he should be after battling with two others. Lathwen’s arms were burning, but she didn’t let go of her sword or forfeit. She would avenge her parents. She would avenge their years of suffering…and hers.

Lathwen felt a burst of energy as her fury gave her the power. It rushed through her in waves, and she picked up the pace to a speed that only elves could possess. Maetherion stood there in shock and puzzlement for a moment.

That moment gave Lathwen her chance. She swiftly disarmed Maetherion, his sword flying through the air to land near Nestaron’s feet. Maetherion’s eyes darted around, looking for a way to escape. He held up his hands and started to back away, but the males in the crowd blocked his way.

Lathwen grinned as he fell over someone’s foot and landed on his back. She placed the sword tip at his neck, “You murdered my parents…no doubt others. You made me and my family suffer for years. You’ve been trying to kill me and harm those close to me for a while now. I ought to kill you…you deserve no less.”

There was an intake of breath, which was audible throughout the room. “But you’re lucky I’m a merciful person…” Lathwen knelt beside him and slammed the hilt of her sword into his head.

Maetherion was unconscious instantly. She had hit him hard enough so that there would be a massive headache bothering him for a couple of days.

Lathwen dropped the sword, wiping away the tears that had been running down her face. She didn’t know that she had been crying.

Wearily, she made her was across the dance floor and put a hand on Edhelwen’s shoulder. “Are you all right?” She asked. Edhelwen nodded, “Nothing a little sleep won’t cure.” Lathwen moved on to Nestariel. “Your finger…”
“It was broken…but Nestaron healed it…he also made Lily wake up!”

Lathwen looked down in surprise and saw that Lily was resting there, her complexion ashen. She opened her eyes and said, “The bloomin’ idiot knocked me out! Where is he? You’ll allow me to kill him, right Old Bess?” Lathwen sighed with a smile, same old Lily.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Lily sighed and muttered something about being satisfied with mauling sackcloth dummies.

Lathwen went over to Nestaron and asked, “Are you hurt?” Nestaron shook his head with a grim smile. “I’m fine.” Lathwen smiled at him, “I’ll never be able to tell you how much I’m thankful that you helped my girls…protected them. I’ll forever be in your debt.”

Surprising everyone in the room, Lathwen flung her arms around the March Warden’s neck and hugged him. “Thank you.”

Nestaron smiled at Lathwen, “It’s fine. I enjoy the many verbal battles your girls have waged against me.” Lathwen grinned and moved to stand in front of Glorfindel.

Glorfindel.

Poor thing…his head was hanging as he looked at the floor. She thought she saw tears sparkling in his eyes as he looked up, but they were soon gone. Lathwen looked at him in pity.

“Glorfindel,” She said softly so that only he could hear. “I’m truly sorry for your loss. I know what it feels like to be betrayed…it will take a while to heal, but heal it does.”

“Thank you.” Glorfindel whispered.

Lathwen reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, “You’ve saved my life many times…and the lives of my girls for which I can never fully repay you. You’ve been so patient and kind to us when we were nothing but trouble. You trusted us…which is more than many can say, I know.”

Lathwen grinned wryly, “I’m very glad I met you Glorfindel. You’re a good companion and friend. Thank you.” She stood on tiptoe and hugged him like she had Nestaron. The gasps were audible as the elves watched in shock. No one touches the warrior of Gondolin!

Hesitantly at first, Glorfindel hugged her back. “Thank you for understanding.” Glorfindel whispered in her ear. Lathwen smiled and she broke contact with him.

The leader of the Outlaw Maiden’s turned to face the gathering and announced, “It is finished.”


Chapter 33 - Woe to Those With Pointed Ears

Disclaimer; I don’t own so you can’t sue me! Nah nah nah nah nah!
Note: My apologies for not posting sooner! But hey, look on the bright side…I HAVE THE NEXT CHAPTER ALMOST DONE FOR YOU PEOPLES!

“It is finished.”

Almost instantly Lathwen collapsed and fell into a faint.

***
Lathwen winced as a bright light danced in front of her eyes after she opened them. She found that she couldn’t raise her left arm, and the rest of her body ached as if the dwarves of Moria had been called in and beaten her all over with their hammers.

“Stay still Bessie…” A voice said. Nestariel. Lathwen looked around and saw that her girls, Glorfindel, Beinion, and Nestaron were in a healing ward watching her. Lathwen blinked, “What happened?”

“You fainted. Glorfindel picked you up and carried you here. You slept for nearly a day Old Bess! It’s afternoon now.” Lily answered cheerily. Lathwen frowned, “Why did I faint?”

“Loss of blood.” Nestaron answered.
“Eh?”
“A stray arrow grazed your shoulder.”

Lathwen’s face darkened, “What happened to the murderer’s?” Everyone exchanged gleeful looks.

“They were given a life sentence in the prisons…Lord Elrond was furious! Now I know how he survived the battle with Gil-Galad…he’s positively frightening when angry. Surely no orc or goblin would stand a chance against him.” Lily answered.

Lathwen yawned so loudly that her jaw cracked. She rubbed her eyes and watched the others as a confusing exchange took place.

Edhelwen poked Lily’s side. Lathwen gave her a bemused look, but Edhelwen refused to meet her eyes. Lily glared at Edhelwen while rubbing her ribs but said, “Eh! Nestaron…Nestariel…I still have a tie to break! Let’s get back to our game and leave Lathwen in peace.”

Beinion sighed as the others trooped out of the healing ward and he laced his fingers with Edhelwen’s. “Well m’love…what do you say? Shall we go?” Edhelwen nodded and said to Lathwen, “Hope you can get out of bed soon Bessie…otherwise you’ll be as ill-tempered as dwarf without his axe!” Lathwen gave a bark of laughter as they too, took their exit.

Lathwen looked at Glorfindel, the only one left in the room. She smiled wanly, “Once again thank you for saving my life Glorfindel.” The aged warrior smiled slightly, his piercing blue eyes never leaving her stormy grey ones. “I see your habit has died…”

Lathwen grinned, knowing he was talking about the ‘my lord’ title she had used many a time before. Glorfindel sighed and sat down on a chair that was positioned next to Lathwen’s bed. She glanced at him suspiciously.

“It was my pleasure to save your life. Such a friend deserves that. But really, I should be thanking *you* Lathwen.”

Lathwen looked at him curiously, “Why? I did nothing.” Glorfindel gave her what could only be described as ‘a look’. “You did more than you’ll ever know Lathwen Alanessa.” Lathwen snorted.

“You do not believe me? Well then…let me prove you wrong.”

Lathwen smiled…this could get interesting.

Glorfindel sighed and began, “I was lonely here. I had lost my love, and my will to live it seemed. I wondered why I did not fade…but I soon found that the Valar had other plans.” He smiled wryly and Lathwen had to chuckle at his expression.

“I felt empty except for the raging emotions that you could clearly sense. Anger, hurt, guilt, and despair…they were slowly killing me. And I knew it. I knew I would die if I stayed here…I would have died even if I had sailed because these emotions still would have plagued me.”

He flinched slightly at some memory, and stared off into the distance. Lathwen waited patiently, an odd expression on her face.

Glorfindel roused himself and continued, “At first I denied such a thing would happen…then I ignored it. Because you told me exactly what you saw and what, no doubt, others could see, I began to think about my dying, fading. Did I truly want to die? No. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it wasn’t my fault, any of it. So the feelings slowly ebbed away.”

“However, I was still lonely. I yearned for contact with someone, anyone who could see past my rank and my history.”

Lathwen said, “But you have Nestaron and Beinion…you have many friends.” Glorfindel shook his head, “No, no…you misunderstand me.”

“They are my friends, and I have many of them like you said. I am truly blessed. But what I meant was that I wished for someone who would act normal around me.”
“They do.”
“No…let me explain Lathwen.”

Glorfindel said, “Though the others are my friends, they do not shake my hand or give me a pat on the back. No one does that except Beinion…and you.” Glorfindel reached out and clasped Lathwen’s hand in his own. “You act as if I am normal…not a warrior or a soldier. You treat me as if I weren’t unusual. You do not cower in my presence, nor flee from the room when I enter.”

Lathwen blinked and Glorfindel went on, “I am grateful for that…I feel normal around you. I like that. Do—”

Lathwen made the mistake of looking to the side toward the wall. A mirror was next to the window. Lathwen opened her mouth and gave a shriek.

“AAAAAAAAHHH! DEAR VALAR!”

Glorfindel sprang up, “What is it? Is something wrong? Are you in pain?” Lathwen covered her mouth with her free hand and shook her head, still staring at the mirror.

He released her hand and sat down beside her. Urgently he spun her around to face him. “What is it?!”

Lathwen uncovered her mouth and said, “My ears! They’re pointed! THEY’RE POINTED!” Glorfindel sighed and an amused look replaced that of concern. “And?”

“And? AND?! How can you say that?! My ears are POINTED! Like an elf’s!”
“They’ve been like that for a while Lathwen. Everyone has noticed it besides you.”

Lathwen reached up and tentatively touched the tips of her ears. Wordlessly she tugged at them, as if suspicious they would come off.

Glorfindel rolled his eyes. He swept back his blonde hair, baring his own ears. “Lathwen…your ears are like ours now. Mine won’t come off…yours won’t come off…no elf’s will come off.”

Still in shock, Lathwen reached out and touched the tips of Glorfindel’s left ear. The warrior gasped and recoiled, turning pink. Lathwen gave him a strange look but thought nothing of it.

Quickly, she pushed back the covers and leapt out of bed. She smoothed her dress out, and noticed that she had been changed, her soiled dress removed, and a simple blue one was placed in its stead. Lathwen ran over to the healing ward’s door and yanked it open. Swiftly she ran down the halls toward the library, ignoring Glorfindel’s calls to stop.

***
The trip seemed to go quick fast, for she was there and opening the heavy doors in a flash.

Hurriedly, she careened down the rows of books and came to a halt at Erestor’s desk, panting. Erestor raised his eyebrows in surprise, “Lathwen! Out of the healing ward I see.”

Lathwen said in one single breath, “Erestor! I have pointed ears! Like an elf!” She gasped for another breath and went on, “I looked in the mirror and my ears were changed and Glorfindel said that they’d been that way for a while but I didn’t believe him so I tried to pull the points off but they didn’t come off and neither did Glorfindel’s, so I—”

Erestor looked astounded, “You touched the tips of his ears?!” Lathwen gave him a funny look, “Er…yes? What’s wrong? Did I hurt him?” Erestor’s jaw was currently on the floor, so after he had picked it back up he said, “Er…Lathwen, you…I…do you know elven etiquette?”

Lathwen shrugged, “Somewhat. I mean…yes, I think so.” Erestor took a deep breath and said rather haltingly, “Er…yes, well. Lathwen…no other elf or being is allowed to touch an elf’s ears you see…er…they are a pleasure point, and only those bonded with the elf are allowed to touch them. It’s normally taken as a great offense if you do…”

Lathwen blushed such a bright scarlet that she could have been a beacon for lost ships at sea. “Oh…no.” Is all she said.

Erestor smiled amusedly at her horrified tone. “It’s all right Lathwen…Glorfindel will forgive you.” Lathwen gave him a mortified look and tried to say something but the library doors opened and Glorfindel called out, “Lathwen?”

“Hide me!” Lathwen said frantically. Erestor shook his head and chuckled, calling out, “She’s here Glorfindel!” Lathwen glared at him fiercely and whispered harshly, “You’re infuriating!” Erestor grinned at her but did nothing.

Lathwen gave him one last pleading look. Erestor shook his head firmly. Sighing in exasperation, Lathwen looked around frantically for a place to hide. She sped off towards the section of books where Erestor had shown her the second small leather book when they were looking for her mother’s diary.

She crouched behind one of the tall, wide shelves and listened to the conversation.

“…hiding because of the incident involving your ears.”
“Ah. I see. Where is she now?”
“She went that way.”
“Show me…I don’t know this place as well as you do.”

Lathwen bit her lip and silently vowed that she would have to employ Edhelwen to help her with payback. A certain basket of peaches had Erestor’s name written all over it.

She strained her elven hearing for signs of the approaching elf lord’s. They were coming from her right. Quickly, Lathwen darted to her left and barreled right into another shelf of books. “OUCH!” She shouted.

Rubbing her forehead, she walked quickly out of the library and into the orchards, certain no one would follow.

***
Lathwen sighed and stretched. She was sitting in the tree by the lake where Beinion had pushed Glorfindel in. Actually, she wasn’t hiding from Glorfindel because of the incident….Edhelwen had informed her that another game was planned, and this time Glorfindel and Erestor were pummeled with the peaches. Beinion had just joined in because it was fun. And admittedly, it was.

It became even more fun when *all* of the Outlaw Maidens had joined in…and Nestaron, the stiff March Warden had even joined after much coaxing from Glorfindel and Beinion.

Of course, Lathwen hadn’t spoken to or seen up close Glorfindel and Erestor ever since the library. It was one o’ clock, and she had been waiting in the tree for three minutes and counting. Needless to say, she was beginning to get bored.

“Pssst! Bessie! Let us come up!” Nestariel hissed from below. Lathwen moved over onto another branch, giggling as Nestariel, Lily, and Edhelwen climbed up in single file.

“It’ll be much harder for them to find us now.” Lily said in a whisper, “There are so many other places to look and the leaves and branches keep us well hidden.”

Edhelwen laughed and said, “Isn’t this fun? We should make this an official time of day…one o’ clock…‘the game’.”

Wolf-whistles came from below and the girls laughed…they had been caught. “Pretty little robin sitting in a tree, pretty little robin come down to me!” Beinion sang up to Edhelwen who grinned. It was part of a nursery rhyme older than the hills.

Nestaron grinned up at Lily and wiggled his eyebrows. Lily smirked and jumped down. “AHA! Caught—” Nestaron shouted but stopped as Lily sped away giggling. “You.” He finished. Then he to ran after her, shouting complete nonsense, which made Lathwen and Nestariel go into peals of laughter.

Nestariel looked at Lathwen at the same time Lathwen looked at her, “Hmm…looks like we’re caught Nestariel. Whatever shall we do?”
“Hmm…RUN!”

The two elven maidens jumped down from the tree and tried to run. ‘Tried’ being the key words. Nestariel ran away successfully, but Erestor was gaining on her, and Lathwen had no such luck. After she straightened up from her jump, she was tackled to the ground. Gently though, not like other times.

Lathwen looked at Glorfindel balefully. He just grinned back as he made sure she wouldn’t get away. He knelt beside her and pinned her arms above her head. She squirmed and twisted, trying to get loose. Stupid elf and his stupid strength…

Glorfindel looked at her, “You didn’t let me finish before you discovered your pointed ears.” Lathwen blushed from the memory of before. “I’m sorry…I didn’t know…”

Glorfindel smirked, “Fine…fine. Now let me ask you a question.” Lathwen glared at him distrustfully. Glorfindel gave her a playful smile, “Are you afraid of me?” Lathwen blinked then started laughing. “Me? Afraid of *you*?”

Glorfindel pretended to sulk, “You wound me my lady.” Lathwen rolled her eyes, “You’re nothing but a big softy.” Glorfindel gave her a serious look, “Then don’t run from me again Lathwen. Don’t ever run from me.”

Something in his tone made Lathwen pay attention. He went on, “Lathwen…because of you I was able to realize that it wasn’t my fault. I think you’ll be proud of me.”

“Why?” Lathwen asked.

Glorfindel leaned down, his silky golden hair tickling her face. She could feel his warm breath on his ear as he said, “I choose to live.” Lathwen grinned wildly.

“Good! What would Antien and Tirion do without you?”
“Lathwen…”
“Or your men or Imladris or Lorien?”
“Lathwen!”
“Or those who looked up to you, or—”
“LATHWEN!”

Lathwen blinked. “What?” Glorfindel scanned her face and asked softly, “What about you? What would *you* do without me?” Lathwen grinned, “Be terribly bored.”

“You know that wasn’t the answer I was looking for.”
“I know. It’s fun to give you a hard time.”
“I’m not enjoying it.”
“Why not?”

Glorfindel sighed and let go of her hands, raking them through his hair. Lathwen took advantage of the situation and stood up, brushing herself off. Glorfindel stayed kneeling, looking up at her.

“You know why.”
“No…honestly I don’t.”
“Well then…let me explain.

“Its because the woman I love is standing before me and will not let me express or show my love for her in any way…because after what I’ve told her she still doesn’t believe me…”

Lathwen put her hands on her hips, “You can hardly blame me given I was pushed up against a tree!” Glorfindel glared at her but went on, “Because she says she doesn’t love me when I can see she does…”

“How do you know?”
“I can see your mind Lathwen. I know you.”
“Ah…that could complicate things a bit.”
“Lathwen, this is not funny…are you purposely trying to hurt me? Do you want me to suffer more? Is this your idea of fun?!”

Lathwen gaped at him, “Glorfindel, I’ve saved your life more times than I can count and you accuse me of wanting to hurt you?! No! That’s not it, okay? I’m not trying to hurt you at all, I’d hate to see you suffer—”

Glorfindel stood up and glared at her, “To late! Look at me Lathwen! What do you see?”

“A stuck up warrior who thinks he can take advantage of any woman he wants! A lonely elf lord who only lusts after a woman…you don’t love me Glorfindel!”
“ARE YOU BLIND?! Look at me Lathwen!”

Lathwen stared at him long and hard, looking into his eyes.

Anguish. Pain. Hurt. Confusion.

“See? Now do you believe me?” Glorfindel said bitterly. Lathwen shook her head,
“Get rid of those feelings Glorfindel. I do not believe you.”
“Why not?”
“Out of all of the women here who would gladly warm your bed, you chose me? Ha! Perhaps because I’m the leader of the Outlaw Maiden’s? Is a simple elf-maiden not good enough for you?”

“CLOSE YOUR MOUTH WOMAN!”

Lathwen’s jaw dropped to the ground, it had been a long time since he dared to disrespect her like that. Glorfindel glowered at her.

“Let me explain shall I? I love you because of your courage, your strength and endurance. I love you because of your pity for others, your compassion and your caring and ability to forgive and forget.”

“Glorfindel…”

“I love you because of your sense of humor, however sarcastic; I love you because you are able to joke around. I love you because of your honesty and loyalty. You are trustworthy.”

“Glorfindel!”

“I love you because you treat me normally and don’t take me for granted. I love you because you’d save my life no matter the situation…you’d die for me and you’ve showed it more than once. I love you because of your many other virtues.”

“Please! Glorfindel! Stop!”

“I love you because of your voice…its lovely just like the rest of you. I love you because you are smart and beautiful Lathwen!”

“STOP!”

“ACCEPT IT OR DON’T, BUT I LOVE YOU! However insulting the things you say to me, I cannot…will not…stop. Understand?”

Lathwen growled at the elf lord and said, “It will never happen Glorfindel! Get that through your head will you?!”

“No.”
“Excuse me?!”
“No, Lathwen.”

Lathwen would have dearly loved to hang him by his thumbs in a well. “Very well. Until then, I shall not speak with you Lord Glorfindel. Good day.” She turned sharply and walked away.

I know, I know…you’re thinking, LATHWEN YOU FOOL! WHAT IDIOT WOULDN’T ACCEPT THE LOVE OF AN *ELF*?! But you must realize…trusting takes a while, and Lathwen had suffered by the hands of men, and she had heard about, not to mention seen, the horrible things they do. I mean really, how long has it been since she was rode out of Bree? Around a year. I do actually think Lathwen’s being to stereotypical…but that adds some fun to the story I suppose…


Chapter 34 - When the Words of a Man Loose Their Charm

Disclaimer; I don’t own, so you can’t sue! HA!
Note: Meep! Okay here’s the chappie, you can have it, just don’t hurt me! I haven’t had a lot of time lately, but the next chapter will be extra long as an apology. Okie dokie smokie?

“Idiot.”

Lathwen glared at Lily, “Excuse me?” Lily glared back at Lathwen, “You heard me…IDIOT!” Lathwen blinked, “You know why I had to do it! You know my reasons!”

Nestariel huffed and stalked over to the fireplace in Lathwen’s room. Edhelwen sighed and shook her head, “Okay Lathwen. You said that loving Glorfindel would be dangerous. People hate you, people hate him I suppose…and all of those people who hate you would hate him and vice versa. I agree with that, but he’s not in danger, neither are you. Both of you can take care of yourselves as we’ve seen before.”

Lily snorted, “Those old hags who want their daughters to wed Glorfindel aren’t going to chase you across Arda with their broomsticks anyway. Who cares about the public opinion?!”

Lathwen answered, “I don’t! Its’ just that…what if he gets hurt because of me?! How do you think that will make me feel?”

Nestariel turned away from the fireplace with a triumphant grin, “Aha! So you admit you love him!” Lathwen crossed her arms, “No I don’t! We’re *friends* Nestariel!”

Edhelwen flapped her hand toward the arguing girls and went on, “And then, Bessie, you said something about your fate. We all know you’re half-elven and Glorfindel’s all elf. What’s the problem with that?”

Lathwen sat leaned back on her bed and said, “When it comes the time I may choose to honor my mortal blood. He’d sail to Valinor and I’d stay here to wither away and die. That would be a disadvantage for both him and me.”

Edhelwen shook her head, “Not so. You could choose to honor your elven heritage and sail with him.”

“But that would mean I’d have to leave Lily and everyone else I know who’s a mortal!”
“So what? It’s not like you can’t visit! Besides, maybe you could invoke the Valar and ask them to grant Lily entrance to Valinor to stay with you.”

Lily grinned, “That chance is quite slim.” Lathwen ignored her friend and said, “But what of the Outlaw Maiden’s? What will happen to them? Will we die out just because of *my* Valar forsaken choice? I think not!”

Nestariel answered, “We know you aren’t willing to let the Outlaw Maiden’s cease to be Bessie, but think of all the future generations. When we leave Imladris we’ll be able to recruit many more…hopefully enough to make an army so when evil comes we can help the men, but that’s not the point. If you leave along with us, you’ll be able to elect a new leader.” She snapped her fingers, “Simple as that.”

Lathwen sighed and was about to argue but Edhelwen gave her the death look, causing the leader of the Outlaw Maiden’s to shut her mouth with a snap.

“And then,” Edhelwen said, releasing Lathwen from her deadly glare, “You say that Glorfindel doesn’t love you. Explain that.”

Lathwen replied, “Simple. It’s lust. He’s tired of all of the women who coo and fawn over him, so he wanted a change.”

“That change being you.” Lily finished. Nestariel shook her head, “Bessie, he loves you. If he wanted a change as you say, he would have come after one of the other Outlaw Maiden’s because you refused him. Why would he keep after you if he could easily force one of us?”

Edhelwen added, “Besides, he saved your life a few times, not to mention he chased you down like a bloodhound on a trail. By the Valar Lathwen! How can you not see?!”

Lily said dryly, “She does see Edhelwen. She just doesn’t want to admit it. Face it Bessie…after what happened in Bree, you’re afraid.”

Lathwen looked at the bedspread on her bed and didn’t say anything. The crackling of the fire could be heard clearly, but then Lathwen said, “I refuse to love him.”

Lily snorted, “Nonsense. You cannot control love.” Lathwen grinned, “Aha, but I can control what I do. I will avoid that limb of Sauron until he gets tired and chases after one of you…or some other maiden.”

Nestariel sighed, “Lovely. Thank you ever so Lathwen, for dumping him on us.”
“I’m not! I’m just saying…”
“You cannot possibly avoid him forever Bessie.”
“Oh yeah? Watch me!”

***
Lathwen glared down at the roast chicken on her plate as if it had personally done her some serious wrong.

The Outlaw Maiden’s were dining with Lord Elrond and the other inhabitants and guests of Imladris. As fate would have it, Lathwen and her crew were dining quite close to the Lord of the Golden Flower.

Lily elbowed her friend and said, “You want me to shoot it to put it out of its misery?” Lathwen glared at her friend and hissed back, “Why don’t you shoot someone else so he won’t stare at me so much!”

Lily smirked at Nestariel who was sitting across from Lathwen. Edhelwen was a few people down, sitting with Beinion and his parents. From the look on her face, it was going well.

Glorfindel however, was a few seats down on the opposite side. Out of the corner of her eye Lathwen could see him glancing at her once in a while. She could see he wasn’t trying to…but it was as if their eyes were magnetic and being drawn to one another.

Nestaron glanced knowingly at Lily and winked. Lily nodded and rose from the table. “Where are you going?!” Lathwen hissed, pulling her friend’s sleeve.

Lily shrugged, “Is it all right if I dance with my partner for ‘The Game’?” Lathwen inhaled through her teeth and said, “Please hurry!” Lily smirked again and waggled her fingers in farewell, “Of course Bessie dear.” She sang and skipped off to the dance floor with Nestaron. Well not literally…her leg was still healing though the process had sped up considerably thanks to Lord Elrond…but she was still limping.

It had been a week or so of avoiding the golden haired warrior. And it was the hardest week of Lathwen’s life.

She couldn’t seem to get rid of him! And he wasn’t even following her around, it was that fate kept pushing them together. Unfortunately neither seemed to be getting the hint and apologizing.

She saw him in the gardens, the kitchens, in Elrond’s study, in the library trading playful banter with Erestor…she wanted to scream!

Of course, Lathwen always had the option of leaving, but she could tell the others wanted to stay here, especially Edhelwen, and she wasn’t about to have them follow her to Tanglewood just because of her own selfish needs. Because indeed wherever she went, the rest were sure to follow.

Sometimes Lathwen was frustrated with the fact that her friend’s were so loyal and trustworthy. Sometimes she resented the fact that they respected her. But she always snapped out of that mood quickly. Lathwen was lucky to be surrounded by such people, and she knew it.

Nestariel tapped her leader on the arm, drawing her out of her reverie. “Bessie, can I—” Lathwen’s quick eyes had already spotted the hopeful male elf hovering behind Nestariel.

Lathwen grinned and flapped her hand in a shooing motion, “Go ahead and leave me to suffer.” She heaved and dramatic sigh, making Nestariel grin. Lathwen watched with satisfaction as her friends flounced off, enjoying the night while they still could.

She tore her eyes away from the happy couples on the dance floor and glanced about the room. Her eyes locked with the warrior who was staring at her once again. She smirked as he blushed slightly and turned away, determinedly focusing on talking to his friend’s animatedly.

Glorfindel had been avoiding her to, she was sure of it. Such a blow to the pride would do that to a man…or in this case, elf. He was angry with her, furious actually, and she knew it. But it didn’t stop her from being amused whenever he couldn’t help but glance her way.

She snickered, as the blush staining the warrior’s cheeks didn’t die down. Shaking her head in amusement, Lathwen pushed out her chair and stood up. Quietly, like a shadow, Lathwen slipped through the double doors.

She strode down the halls in a determined way. She was going to the kitchens to help with the baking, cooking, and dishes and such.

Lathwen had done that often in the past week, and made many new friends in the kitchens. Besides, the staff was more than willing to let another pair of hands work.

Lathwen started humming happily, remembering suddenly that there were only a few more days they would be staying in Imladris. She stopped short in the hallway, the shock of it freezing her.

A few more days. That wasn’t long.

“’Ello lady. What’s you a’doin’ on such a cold night?” Asked a slurred voice from behind her. Lathwen stiffened, “It is not cold sir.”

She turned and saw one of the guests…a man…behind her. The man had a black beard, neatly trimmed. She looked into his watery eyes and immediately knew that he was drunk.

As if that weren’t enough, the man came uncomfortably close and said, “It’s a chilly tonight girlie! And I’m cold if you know what I mean…” He leered at her suggestively.

Lathwen almost gagged; his wine soaked breath seemed to seep into her very pores. She backed away a few steps and glared at him, “You aren’t—”

Her words were cut off as the man lurched at her. He moved quickly for one who was the farthest thing from sober. He pinned her against the wall, his strength not deserting him because the wine had made him stronger and more sure of himself.

“Get your hands off me!” Lathwen snarled, an uncanny fire lighting her eyes. The man licked his lips, “Feisty eh? That’s just the way I like ‘em.”

His red, wet lips descended upon Lathwen’s mouth, causing her to struggle furiously as she screamed. But her screams were muffled, and she knew no one could hear. Panic overtook her and she brought her knee up sharply, kneeing him in the gut.

The man gasped and she managed to break away from him as he swore viciously. “You wretch!” He shouted, focusing his rheumy eyes on her. Lathwen opened her mouth and screamed piercingly.

The man jerked back, but still held onto her wrist. The scream was loud enough to wake the dead and he knew it. Footsteps echoed in the corridor as Lathwen struggled to free herself from his grip.

Just as the groups of elves and guests made their way into the hallway, Lathwen gathered her strength and lashed out, her left leg connecting with the man’s stomach once again.

Moaning, the man sank to the ground, clutching his stomach and gasping for breath. Panting, Lathwen stepped away and wiped her mouth contemptuously. Lily shouldered her way through the crowd and limped quickly to Lathwen’s side.

“Are you alright Bessie?!” She asked in a panic. Lathwen nodded, her head spinning. “Yes…yes I’m fine.” She said faintly. Lily glared at the man on the ground and spat on him.

Lathwen looked at her friend in mild amusement, “Do you like spitting on people? I seem to recall you do that a lot.” Lily shrugged.

Lathwen turned to face the crowd. She saw stranger’s…lots of them. But one familiar face held concern and anger. Glorfindel. He had come out of worry for her.

The golden warrior glanced at the man in disgust. He locked his gaze with Lathwen’s, and instantly the cold hard mask was put in place again. He didn’t come over to her.

Lathwen let out a shaky breath and said to Lily, “Can you shepherd these people back to the feasting hall? I’ll be in the kitchens…if you need me. And I want to walk *alone* if you take my meaning.”

Lily nodded briefly and said to the crowd, “Oy! You lot! Back to the party! There’s nothing to see here!” Eventually her words made everyone comply, and they all grudgingly shuffled back to the feast, a few of them dragging the drunken man along with them.

Lily hesitated, “Will you be all right Bessie?” Lathwen nodded, “I’m fine.” She said. “I’ll be fine.”

Lily was reluctant, but she knew how stubborn her leader could be. She turned and walked away with the rest of the mob, and Lathwen continued to the kitchens, her heart pounding and a headache coming on.


Chapter 35 - The Bonding

Disclaimer; My friends would murder me out of envy if I owned Tolkien. I’m typing this right now, so therefore I cannot be dead, which means my friends haven’t murdered me because I don’t own Tolkien.
Note: I don’t really like the vows I made for their ceremony…I might change them in the future.

As soon as the others were out of sight, Lathwen slumped against the wall, breathing hard again. But soon the panic gave way to disgust. Stupid man. He had no right to handle her the way he did! She a guest of Lord Elrond and all…honestly. The sooner they left Imladris the better!

Lathwen let out one more shaky breath before standing up again. Quickly she brushed off her skirts and smoothed out invisible wrinkles. Footsteps echoed behind her, and she turned, knowing that her plans to head for the kitchens were being deviated at every turn.

Lily was limping as fast as she could. Lathwen hurried toward her friend to make it easier for her. Lily brushed back loose strands of her hair impatiently and said, “This-may-not-be-the-best-time-but-there’s-two-girls-I-mean-elves-and-they-want-to-join-the-Outlaw-Maidens-so-I-told-them-that-you-would-be-there-in-a-few-minutes-and-Nestariel’s-busy-holding-back-the-stampede-of-elves-who-are-friends-of-Lord-Elrond-and-Glorfindel-who-want-to-get-revenge-on-the-guy-who-hurt-er…-I-mean-*tried*-to-hurt-you—.”

Lily took a deep breath and started again, “And-Edhelwen-and-Beinion-are-helping-Erestor-deal-with-a-bunch-of-rangers-who-have-escorted-another-group-of-all-women-here-to-Imladris-and-last-I-checked-Edhelwen-was-telling-them-about-the-Outlaw-Maidens-and-they-seemed-quite-interested-you-know-but-I-didn’t-stay-to-chat-because-I-had-to-find-you-and-you’ll-never-believe-this-Bessie! I LOST MY DAGGER BECAUSE SOME ELF STOLE IT AND WON’T GIVE IT BACK! He says its his but its really not and so I tried to find it but he hid it apparently and now I can’t find him to ask where he put it so—”

Lathwen barked, “STOP AND BREATHE GIRL!” Lily halted her flow of words and put a hand to her head as if to ward off a headache. Lathwen sighed and said impatiently, “Am I supposed to deal with this all NOW?!”

Lily nodded warily, “Um…please?” Lathwen scowled but stalked off.

***
Lathwen had made two trips already. One was to the dining room to yell at the people trying to rip the drunk to shreds. Not that she minded what they were doing to punish the guy, but she told them to stop because it was pestering Nestariel. And they did, therefore relieving Nestariel as the exhausting role of an elven nanny.

Then she and Lily went down to Edhelwen and Beinion’s post, and exchanged a few polite words with the group of women. (There were five, and Edhelwen whispered that they had no intention of joining the Outlaw Maiden’s at the moment so Lathwen and Lily left after a few more polite exchanges)

And THEN Lily brought her down to the library where two dark haired elven maidens sat, conversing softly. Both were delicate things really, but Lathwen could tell there was an iron will and hard muscle underneath their calm visages.

The first one had dark hair and green eyes, and introduced herself as Saerwen. The second one stood and towered over the first. Her name was Elenniel, an orphan who had midnight black hair and ice blue eyes. Lathwen sat down with them, and Lily discreetly left them to their own devices.

“Can you tell us about the Outlaw Maidens?” Elenniel said patiently, “We’ve only heard rumor and we can hardly separate truth from gossip these days.”

Lathwen grinned and sat back in her chair, “There’s much to tell. Perhaps I should start off with how it was founded then.” Saerwen nodded and the two elven maidens sat forward in their seats, eager for a good tale.

Lathwen started, “Lily…that’s the girl who was with me before…she and I came from abusive families, and we needed to escape for that reason. We have three…well, four others in the group…one currently is a messenger and so resides in Lothlorien until there is a need. Her name is Manwathiel. Also in Lothlorien, we have another elf maiden named Sarethiel…she’s our connection to whatever is going on in Lorien and the rest of the outside world.”

Elenniel nodded, “Ah yes. Sarethiel is with child now, they are doing well I hear.”

Lathwen grinned, “Good. Anyway, the other two come from Lorien, and their names are Nestariel and Edhelwen. Edhelwen has a beau here named Beinion. Lily, Nestariel, Edhelwen and I have built a home in a forest not far from Minas Tirith. It has no name, for it is small and secluded…but when we speak of it, we call it Tanglewood. Okay?”

Elenniel nodded and exclaimed, “Minas Tirith you say. Such a far way from here!” Lathwen shrugged, “Small prices to pay if we can save a few lives here and there.” The leader of the Outlaw Maidens looked the two square in the eye and asked, “Can you tell me why you two want to join?”

The quiet Saerwen spoke up in a firm voice, “We are tired of having boundaries to life. Women are expected to be meek and humble, never to venture outside of the guidelines laid down by man. I am tired of living like this…I’d like men to realize that women can be strong to. I want a chance to make a difference.”

Elenniel looked fairly impressed and she added, “Exactly. I would like to show everyone that women do not need to be controlled. We can be strong like men. I want adventure, a chance to do good.”

Lathwen broke into a grin and said, “Those are the exact same reasons Edhelwen and Nestariel joined.” Elenniel smiled wryly, “Your verdict?”

“Innocent. Welcome to the Outlaw Maiden’s girls…your second family.”

***
Lily bounced up and down on Lathwen’s bed on her knees while the leader reported the interview.

She had just returned from the library with a grin on her face, and was instantly sabotaged by Edhelwen who was shouting something about a group meeting in Lathwen’s room. By now all of Imladris knew what had happened pertaining to Elenniel and Saerwen’s joining the group.

“I must say, that wasn’t half bad. Elenniel and Saerwen will be a lovely addition to our group.” Lathwen said reminiscently. Edhelwen nodded and said, “So how’s it going with ignoring Glorfy?”

“That name irritates him to no end you know.” Called a voice from the window. Lathwen looked up in surprise and saw Beinion there, swinging his legs innocently. Edhelwen was the only one who didn’t look shocked.

“I take it he does this a lot?” Nestariel asked dryly. Edhelwen shrugged and said, “Maybe a little…but I asked him to come here for a reason.” Lathwen raised her eyebrow as Beinion slid off the windowsill and stood by Edhelwen’s side.

The elf maiden broke out into a grin that nearly spit her face, “We’ve decided to bond!”

Nestariel let out a shriek of joy and rushed to congratulate the couple. Lathwen didn’t know what bonding meant, but she had the vague idea that it was like getting married. She two let out a whoop, but Lily however started dancing around the room shouting, “IT’S ABOUT TIME! FINALLY!”

Lathwen wiped her eyes, which were getting moist. “When’s the ceremony?” She asked. Edhelwen sighed and said, “Lathwen, we…well, us really…us elves have a different way of doing things. You see…we call it a Bonding Ceremony, and it’s a bit different than the mortals way of celebrating things.”

Lathwen raised an eyebrow, “Eh? I’m afraid Erestor did not explain that when teaching me elven protocol.” Edhelwen winced and muttered something about ‘of course he wouldn’t’.

“Bessie…we celebrate what we call ‘bonding’ because we’re bonding our souls and hearts and minds to put it lyrically…we celebrate it by…er…um…” Edhelwen shrugged helplessly.

Nestariel saved her friend by saying, “What normally follows after a mortals wedding.” Lathwen held up her hand, “Okay. That’s enough thank you. So there’s no ceremony or celebration to attend?”

Edhelwen shook her head, “Of course there is…but it takes place the whole afternoon before the actual bonding process. First we say the vows…because yes, we do have vows…and then there’s a celebration that lasts seemingly forever. Come dusk, and its all over.”

Beinion wrapped an arm around Edhelwen’s waist and said to the others, “We spoke to Lord Elrond. We are having the celebration in a week.” Lathwen smiled sadly, “A week. We can stay that long…but I suppose Edhelwen, that you won’t be coming back to Tanglewood with us?”

Edhelwen shook her head, the light in her eyes dimmed, “No.” She whispered sorrowfully, but then she perked up, “But I’ll be your connection to Imladris the way Manwathiel is to Lorien. Beinion and I can ride to Tanglewood once in a while to visit and give messages. This way if you or Imladris are in danger, you can help one another.”

Lathwen felt a heavy veil cover her heart…blocking all else out but sadness. “We still have a week left Bessie. And we have the rest of our lives to.” Nestariel reminded her.

Apparently she wasn’t that upset…but then again, she had all the time in the world left to see Edhelwen…who knew how long Lathwen had left?

“Yes,” Lathwen said faintly, “I suppose we do.”

***
The week flew by quickly without any more mishaps. Lathwen had managed to avoid Glorfindel for a whole three days before she saw him in the gardens. (Drat that elf!)

Lathwen now looked back at those stress free days and relished the thought of walking someplace outside of her room without being stampeded by visitors and guests from Lorien who had come to celebrate Edhelwen and Beinion’s bonding, the various cooks who were cursing while waving their ladles chasing Lord Elrond’s twin sons down the halls, and her own Outlaw Maidens trying to drag her into decorating, cooking, baking, cleaning (To which Lathwen had said absolutely not. She had seen how many shelves, statues, and tapestries needed to be cleaned) or trying on various dresses.

Honestly, was there no more peace in the world at all anymore?! Imladris of all places!

Even the normally calm Erestor was rushing down the halls, his robes billowing impressively as he barked orders to the servants who instantly ducked their heads and scurried off, afraid of incurring the wrath of a librarian who still had the muscles from the days in which he was a warrior.

Lathwen sat up in a flash as a knock on her door echoed through her chambers. “WHAT kind of fool would wake me up at this time in the morning I wonder?” She whispered to herself. “COME IN!” She shouted then resumed her grumbling, knowing very well that it would be someone she knew very well and saw very often. One of the Outlaw Maidens come to that…

Lily slammed open the doors with a bang, causing Lathwen to wince. She bounced over to her leaders bed and sang, “Guess what time it is Bessie?”

Thanks to another visit with Lord Elrond, Lily’s leg was fully healed and she was taking advantage of it.

“Time for you to get out of this room and leave me in peace!”
“Nope! Time for Edhelwen and Beinion—.”

Lathwen flew out of bed and began brushing her hair furiously, “I completely forgot!” She wailed as she tugged at the snarls in her hair. Lily grinned, “We thought you might have.”

Lathwen halted her annihilation of her hair and looked at Lily, “We?” Lily grinned and sang back, “Yes ‘we’. Nestariel and I! So we decided to get ready early so you could get ready on time for once in your life.”

“Hey!”
“You can’t say it’s a lie.”

Lathwen sighed and rolled her eyes. “Fine then,” Lathwen said, “But please hurry! I cannot be late! Edhelwen will murder me with her bare hands.” Lily wiped away an imaginary tear, “I’ll put flowers on your grave, have no fear.”

Lily rushed Lathwen to the baths, and then brought her back to her rooms where Nestariel was waiting. They helped her into a beautiful dark blue dress with silver lace on the bodice, sleeves, hem, and neckline. Lathwen gasped when she looked in the mirror, but Nestariel gave her no time to wonder at the transformation.

She attacked Lathwen’s hair, brushing and twisting it into an intricate low bun at the nape of her neck with little braids woven into it. At last, she placed the circlet Lathwen had inherited on her head, and helped her put on the necklace.

Lathwen sat down on a hard chair with a sigh, “Are we done?” She asked wearily. Nestariel nodded after eyeing her critically one last time, “Yes. And there’s only one more hour till noon…I’d better go to get ready.”

As soon as Nestariel rushed out, Lily rushed in. She wore a petal pink gown that complimented her nicely. She to, had a circlet in her hair, but it was plain beaten gold.

“You look good Bessie! This’ll give Glorfy something to look at tonight…” She said with a smirk. Lathwen glared at her friend, “And after this night…we leave. I’m giving him no more chances to gawk at me.”

Lily shrugged and sat down on the bed, careful not to muss her gown. “You know he can’t help it Bessie. Everyone acts young when they’re in love. Except you of course, you’re the exception. You just try denying it.”

“I am not in love Lily! How many times do I have to tell you?!”
“A lot more before I’m convinced.”

Lathwen rolled her eyes but let the subject drop, knowing very well that Lily was prepared to defend her reasoning. And Lathwen knew that she would loose. Lily was good at arguing…it was to bad she didn’t like diplomats.

***
Lathwen gasped at the sight she saw upon walking into the clearing with Nestariel and Lily. The leaves on the trees were tinted with orange and red, creating a fiery display of colors. The sky was bright blue without a cloud in the sky. The healthy green grass was like a soft cushion beneath their feet.

At the left side of the clearing stood a few tables piled high with all sorts of food. Soups, meat, salads, stews, cookies, cakes, and other sweets filled the tables to the extent where Lathwen was sure the table would crack underneath the weight.

Nestariel nudged her and hissed, “Come on! It’s beginning!” Lathwen cheered silently and followed Lily and Nestariel toward a group of people who were standing near Edhelwen and Beinion who were facing each other with Lord Elrond standing off to the side.

Lathwen watched as Lord Elrond stood by as the witness while Edhelwen and Beinion recited their vows.

Beinion began, “Tell me of thy fears love, and I will cast them all away. Tell me of thy wishes love, and I will fulfill them in every way. Tell me of thy dreams love, and I will make them all come true. Tell me what you want from me, and I will give myself to you.”

Edhelwen smiled and entwined their hands while responding, “Tell me of thy worries love, and I will help you get through. Tell me of thy hopes love, and I will make them all come true. Tell me of thy desire love, and I will satisfy them for you. Tell me what you want from me, and I will give myself to you.”

“Through dark and light…”
“Through wind and snow…”
“I will protect and love you…”
“Though safety may be miles to go.”
“I love you my darling, and I will always keep you…”
“I love you my heart, I will stay with you forever.”

Lathwen winced as a bright light intertwined the couple’s hands. Lathwen heard Lily gasp, but other than that there were no noises of surprise. The rope of light blazed brighter before disappearing altogether. The mob broke out in cheers and Lathwen heard Edhelwen laugh merrily as Beinion swept her into an embrace.

The crowd thinned as few by few the elves offered their congratulations to the couple and headed toward the food tables. The throng was huge though, and it would be a few minutes before they reached Edhelwen and Beinion, giving Lathwen time to examine the various partygoers.

There was a group of elves from Lorien, she could tell by their silver-blonde hair. Lathwen knew that Edhelwen’s mother and father must be there if they hadn’t sailed for Valinor yet.

Oh wait…Lathwen remembered the conversation they had long ago.

*Flashback*

/Edhelwen sighed, “ It’s a bit odd without having tunics to wash though. And I miss my friends back in Lorien…all my family has sailed away to the Undying Lands.”/

*End of Flashback*

Lathwen blinked…so she didn’t have any family here. Only friends. Pity threatened to overcome her, but she pushed the feeling back, knowing Edhelwen wouldn’t appreciate it.

“Bessie! I was afraid you would be late!” Edhelwen’s voice said, cutting through the fog of Lathwen’s reverie. She smiled and stepped forward to embrace her friend, “So little faith in me Edhelwen!”

Lathwen heard Beinion chuckle…they all knew it was exactly the opposite. She looked at Beinion and said, “You’d better take care of her Beinion of Imladris…or you’ll have the Outlaw Maiden’s to answer to.”

Beinion mocked a gasp of fear, “Dear me! And I won’t even have Nestaron and Glorfindel to protect me!” Lily cocked an eyebrow, “What do you mean?” Lathwen frowned inwardly, but maintained her polite façade in front of everyone else.

Beinion answered, “They’re leaving after the celebration ends.” This time Lathwen really did frown, “But so are we.”

Nestariel shot her a warning look, “That doesn’t mean anything Lathwen.” The leader of the Outlaw Maiden’s scowled but said nothing in return.


Chapter 36 - Excitement is Back! (Finally)

Disclaimer; Guess what? Good news! I’m still living, which means I don’t own Tolkien’s fabulous estate! (Explanation for the confused in previous disclaimer)

(1 month later after leaving Imladris)

There was good news…and there was bad news.

The good news was that the Outlaw Maidens hadn’t seen any sign of Glorfindel and his gang since they parted a whole three hours before them. The good news was that Saerwen and Elenniel were well adjusted to the Outlaw Maiden’s ways, forced march, and quirky sarcastic humor. The good news was that they hadn’t had much trouble along the way, just a couple of wolves here or there. The good news was that the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien had forgiven them.

Lothlorien. Part of the bad news.

The bad news was that they had to take a little detour in Lorien where they were treated like criminals by all of the highborn, though most people in the forest welcomed them warmly enough. The bad news was that Lindariel hadn’t forgiven Lily and Lathwen. The reason they were in Lorien was because Nestariel had acquired a gash in her arm from one of the wolf’s claws. The bad news was that they kept getting detoured and slowed down until their journey had become a few weeks longer than they had expected.

Oh, and the biggest piece of good news was that…THEY WERE HOME AT LAST!

Lathwen and Lily rode in front, scouting for signs of trouble in Tanglewood near Minas Tirith. (They had already crossed over the meadows and were now nearing their home) Nestariel rode between Elenniel and Saerwen explaining their codes and various activities/jobs that they did while on duty. Which was basically all of the time.

Lily leaned over in her saddle, examining the dark shadows cast by the afternoon sun. Lathwen listened while Nestariel comforted the two new Outlaw Maidens with the promise that they would be able to take hot baths once in their home.

Lily let out a sudden cry; causing Lathwen to whirl, bow ready. Nestariel and the other two however just sat there looking confused. Lily wiped her eyes and said, “I’m sorry girls…thought I saw something.”

Lathwen peered into the forest, and upon seeing nothing, pronounced, “Well then. Quite the scare you gave me Lily.” She turned in her saddle and faced Elenniel and Saerwen, “We’re almost there.” She called, and kneed Rosethorn, causing her horse to break into a trot.

The five went on in silence for maybe five minutes until a small cave came into view. Lathwen grinned and said, “May not look like much, but don’t judge a book by its cover.” Elenniel exchanged an excited glance with Saerwen as the five trotted up to the back entrance.

Lathwen dismounted along with the others and looked at the entrance approvingly. The brambles and bushes blocking it were still in place, meaning that no one had been inside since the Outlaw Maiden’s left.

Just to be safe, Lily, Lathwen, and Nestariel drew and readied their weapons as they guided their horses into the cave. Quickly they tied up all of the horses, and refilled the feedboxes, which they had emptied upon leaving so long ago.

“Come on!” Lathwen encouraged the others, particularly the new girls, and they all walked happily down the hall toward the dorms. Lathwen and Lily quickly surveyed the rooms and pronounced that they were undisturbed and safe.

Elenniel and Saerwen were in such a state of awe that they didn’t react immediately when Lily said that the room across from the baths would be theirs.

Nestariel sighed, “Now I won’t have anyone to hit my head with the pillow every morning.” Lathwen gave her friend a sad smile and a pat on the back.

“Lily or I could move in with you.” She offered. Nestariel instantly brightened, “Yes!” Lily grinned, “I’ll move in!” Nestariel rolled her eyes, “You just want the job of smacking my face every morning.” Lily laughed evilly.

Lathwen shook her head with a smile and walked quietly toward the main room while the others sat in the dorms and chatted with each other. Lathwen looked at the shelves and sadly noted the empty bottles that held formula in their halcyon days.

She sighed and set down her weapons on the undisturbed table and murmured, “Might as well start now.” She walked over to the shelves and cabinets and began throwing all of the food and drink that was stale or rotten into a basket to be brought outside and buried.

For an hour she scrubbed, dusted, and washed all of the chairs, tables, and carpets in the place, making as clean as possible, given that they were in a cave. Once in a while she stopped her work to hear the splashing of water in the bathing room. Apparently the other Outlaw Maidens were going to get clean before they were going to do any work.

***
“We all know that I chose a *very* bad time to leave Imladris.” Lathwen said grimly, starting the conversation.

The Outlaw Maidens were eating a small snack after hours of cleaning themselves and their home.

Lathwen continued, “It’s winter now, and we haven’t stocked up on food.” Lily randomly interrupted, “So next spring we should start a garden. We wouldn’t have to go to the Minas Tirith market so often.”

Lathwen gritted her teeth, “But if Glorfindel of Gondolin and his Gang can do it, so can we.” Lily exchanged glances with Nestariel, “Yeah…but we’re women. And I’m mortal. And we don’t have friends in Minas Tirith really.”

Nestariel shook her head and scolded Lily, “That is the very thing we’ve been fighting against for so long! Our job is to show the world that though we are women we *can* be strong despite our lack of experience!”

Lily looked sheepish and returned to eating her dinner. But before very long she suggested, “How about one of us go to Minas Tirith and stock up on food that won’t rot. You know, like potatoes, tea, bread, dried meat and berries, flour, sugar…”

Lathwen snorted, “Good thing we’re going to sell some of the crops we grow to make up for Lily’s extravagant appetite.” Lily gave her a cheeky smile, “Good thing we have your inheritance to use so the pennies don’t come from *our* pocket.”

Lathwen rolled her eyes and went back to eating. After a few mouthfuls she said, “Once we have enough Outlaw’s, I think we should start a whole system of guard duty. Like the ones the rangers have.”

Nestariel shrugged, “Fitting seeing as we are the ranger’s female counterparts in a way. So Bessie…you’re saying that once we have enough girls, we should split up into groups and certain groups would guard and bring news from different places?”

Lathwen nodded and Lily asked, “How long would shifts be?” Lathwen shrugged, “Two weeks…three. We’d constantly have a fresh group waiting here at our home base. The groups would keep rotating.”

Saerwen nodded in approval, “Good thinking. But we’ll need to get enough women first.” Elenniel flashed her friend a smile, “Always the pessimist.” Saerwen smiled back; apparently this was an old joke between them. “Not a pessimist, I’m just pointing out the facts.”

Elenniel leaned back in her chair and sighed, “Bloody facts. Who needs them?” Lily nodded and added, “We’ve defied all facts to form the Outlaw Maidens.” Lathwen defended Saerwen, “But who knows how long it will be before the women revert to thinking they like the chains of etiquette?”

Nestariel frowned, “Who says they’ll revert? You’ve caused quite the stir among all of them. This is, for sure, something that will last. I can feel it.”

Lily nodded and Elenniel laughed, “We all can! The feeling of belonging, the feeling that its right…it wouldn’t feel right if it wasn’t meant to be.”

Lathwen looked at Saerwen and shrugged, “What do you think Saerwen?”

Saerwen seemed play with the idea in her head for a while before saying, “I stand corrected. Ellie, Lily, and Nestariel are right I believe. This was meant to be.”

***
“Lily, why don’t you come with me and give poor Nestariel a break?” Lathwen suggested. Lily shrugged, “Don’t see how it can do us any harm. I’ve always wanted to see the Minas Tirith market.”

Nestariel handed Lathwen and Lily the faded dresses and aprons. Lathwen didn’t follow Lily to the dorm to change, but asked, “Wait…how did you get into Minas Tirith?”

Nestariel shrugged, “Girls go out to gather herbs and berries and the men firewood…I just say that I was out doing that to the guards. Sooner or later they stopped being suspicious because I always arrived at the same time.”

Lathwen looked at her, “What time was that?” Nestariel shrugged, “Around this time always. Better get going. Be convincing, remember.”

***
“Well…that was almost to easy, wouldn’t you say.” Lily whispered uncomfortably as they walked through the gates of Minas Tirith and onto the streets. They had left the horses at the meadows, and stopped to pick some herbs and such, just as props of course.

While they walked up to the gates they had gossiped about some imaginary maid who had been refused by some imaginary lad. They had then giggled over the arrangements for some wedding to take place in the spring. Guards didn’t listen to that sort of thing they knew, so who was to know if it was false or not?

Apparently their ploy worked, for they were granted access to Minas Tirith within seconds.

The two walked down the crowded streets, smiling and nodding, acting like they belonged. They felt weak and afraid behind their disguises…what would happen if they were caught?

Lily and Lathwen gossiped and chatted about absolutely nothing while they wandered about, examining wares. They came to a food stall and Lily nudged Lathwen, who quickly examined a big bunch of potatoes and herbs.

The stall keeper looked at her suspiciously, and suddenly Lily started bubbling about how cousin Gideon’s appetite was simply ruining them. Not to mention the gaggle of guests they’d have in a day. The man relaxed after Lathwen laughed and agreed. Then they started haggling while Lily looked around, slightly bored.

Afterwards she scolded Lily for being slightly obvious. Poor girl.

Lathwen walked down the road, holding the basket full of their purchases. The basket was getting heavier by the minute, and the pushing and shoving throngs didn’t help a bit.

Lathwen finally gave up and asked Lily to hold the basket. She couldn’t take it anymore she explained. Lily shrugged and took it without a thought.

“What else do we need?” Lathwen asked Lily as she followed her friend through the crowd. “A bunch of tea leaves…oh, and soap. We’re running out of all that.”

Lathwen nodded and guided her friend to a stall that held soaps and oils. “One of the rosemary, and one of the lavender please.” Lathwen said to the woman at the stall.

More haggling. But Lathwen got the better end of the deal, and that pleased her greatly. Lily rolled her eyes as Lathwen bounced along side of her, “Relax please…people will begin to think something’s wrong with you.”

Lathwen shrugged but complied and acted normally as they purchased mixes for apple cinnamon, vanilla, and mint tea. Lily put this all in the now full basket and said, “Well…this ought to last us a month or two.”

Lathwen sighed, “Good. Now can we go home? It’s almost evening.” True enough, it was four o’ clock. One hour till Nestariel would make dinner. (It was her turn to do them that night. Lathwen and Lily had already finished the laundry and washing dishes from their small lunch.)

Lily nodded, “Alright.” The pair headed for the other side of the market where the exit was. Lathwen had started humming a song. It was a song of praise to Varda, queen of the stars, and she had heard it at her stay in Imladris.

“Isn’t it a lovely song? I compliment you on your taste.”

Lathwen stopped humming abruptly and she and Lily turned around to face a dark haired elf with soft brown eyes. He was smiling, but Lathwen and Lily didn’t smile back.

“I’m sorry sir…I’m afraid there isn’t much taste in *that* drinking song.” Lily said politely with a Gondorian accent.

Lathwen knew that this man would have no idea who they were because of your disguises, and even if he had heard of the Outlaw Maidens before, he wouldn’t know them by sight. Surely they hadn’t seen *him* before.

The elf frowned, “It is not a drinking song, but a song to Varda.” Lathwen and Lily exchange false puzzled looks, “A song to Varda? Who is she?” Lathwen asked also with a thick Gondorian accent. “No sir…we are but simple weavers. We no not of elves hallucina—er…beliefs.”

Lily smirked inwardly at Lathwen’s not so disguised insult, which would make them seem ignorant. The elf frowned deeper, “What are your names?”

Lathwen ignored him and went on, “The tune I was humming was a drinking song…it goes like this…” She started the humming again, but put it to a more bouncy tune.

The elf frowned deeper still, if that were even possible. Lily squinted at the elf when Lathwen stopped humming. “Why are you talking to us? Who are *you*?”

The elf shook his head, “I asked you first.” Lathwen looked at him in mock suspicion, “And why should we trust you? I’ve been taught not to trust strangers’ sir. You’d best say your name.”

“Very well.”

The elf leaned in closer to Lily until he was inches away from her ear. “I am—” Lily backed up and purposely tripped so the elf caught her before she fell to the ground, holding onto her arm.

Lathwen looked at the situation swiftly and made a split second decision. She screamed loud enough to wake the dead, break any piece of glass within a two mile radius, and rattle any windowpane in Middle Earth.

Everyone in the market stopped what they were doing and stared at her. The elf winced and covered his sensitive ears with his one free hand.

“HELP! SOMEONE HELP! HE’S TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF US!” She shouted, pointed at the elf. Lily caught on and struggled, screaming all sorts of insults and threats at a very bemused elf.

Instantly guards came running and forced the elf away from Lily. Lathwen quickly picked up the fallen basket and gave Lily a hand before both of them darted through the mob toward the gates of Minas Tirith.

***
Lathwen and Lily darted across the meadows, keeping to the shadows. They had snuck past the guards at the gate while they were talking to witnesses who had seen the elf and Lily’s little escapade.

Thankfully, none had noticed that the girls were gone. Or had they? (Dun dun dun…)

Lily quickly motioned for Lathwen to come over when she found Rosethorn and Wildfire tied up where they had left them. Lathwen quickly untied her horse and mounted up, Lily did the same.

“That was…interesting.” Lathwen said while gasping for breath. Lily nodded and said, “Come on. That was an elf…maybe a friend of Glorfy. We’d best head home before anything worse happens.”

Lathwen and Lily turned their horses toward Tanglewood, and towards home sweet home where the others were waiting.


Chapter 37 - AUTHOR'S NOTE! NOT A CHAPTER!

BAD Bad bad news. For me, not you. Microsoft Word has been deleted while my stupid moronic computer was cleaning files. Guess what? All of my files for this story and others were deleted. Needless to say, I may not update for a few weeks, so hang in there until I get over my swearing fit and my anger, don't worry, I'll find other ways to post. I HATE THIS DANG COMPUTER...


Chapter 38 - Bree

Disclaimer; read previous chapters
Note: This'll be really short because I'm still majorly pissed at the computer problem, no luck trying to fix it. I think I need to get a whole new dang computer, which isn't gonna happen any time soon due to the various bills I have to pay off...

They had all agreed on lying low for the next few days...weeks...months maybe. The mishap at the market was the least of their worries though. Manwathiel had come a day later Lily and Lathwen had been at the market and said that Lorien had been under another attack. This one was minor...and no one was hurt. However, Manwathiel had said that Glorfindel of Gondolin and his Gang...GGG for short...had only stopped in Lothlorien to check on Antien and Tirion before heading out at a great speed. No one knew where to though. Which undoubtedly, worried the Outlaw Maidens, mainly their leader.

But the worst news had yet to come. "Lathwen," Manwathiel said grimly, using her real name, "Lord Eomer and Lady Eoywn's parents have died. Lady Theodwyn's brother, Theoden, has agreed to foster them. And one more thing," There was silence as Lathwen wondered how much worse it could get.

"Eothain has requested we meet him...in Bree."

Lathwen cried out, "WHAT?! HOW DARE HE THAT SLIMEY...(explative explative)" Elenniel and Saerwen blinked in confusion. In the backround, Nestariel and Lily explained their leader's history and how she had suffered there.

You get the idea. Manwathiel rode away with the apology that she couldn't stay any longer...Sarethiel wanted to hear from her as soon as possible about the fate of the Outlaw Maidens. Lily tentatively advised Lathwen to go, saying that Eothain wouldn't call for them without a good reason.

After much deliberation and arguing, Lathwen was convinced (*cough* forced) to go and meet the ranger. All of the Outlaw Maiden's at the home base would go with her. "He could have sent for us while we were in Imladris! It would have been so much closer and easier to get to! Honestly...the nerve of men...slimey...windbag...old...grumpy...stupid...idiotic..." Lily said that they should go with all haste so Lathwen wouldn't have time to add less pleasant names to that list.


Chapter 39 - Eru's Sense of Humor

Disclaimer; I don't own Tolkien...never will so don't sue me. Okay?
Note: Sorry I haven't gotten this to you all sooner, but I had the 24 hour stomach bug. Sounds like a lame excuse I know, but I seriously was throwing up my guts all night. Not fun in the least.

"Bree! Of all the darn blasted, filth infested, pest infiltrated, abusive-uncle-holding, bad memory making places! Eothain is going to get a verbal beating when I get there, and I swear he *will* turn to stone!"

Elenniel looked at Lathwen in a mix of surprise and concern. Lily rolled her eyes and Saerwen looked as impassive as normal. Nestariel sighed, "Bessie...we're almost there, so quite your harping and give us some peace and quiet!"

True...they were almost there. After hours and hours and days and weeks of traveling, they were at Weathertop. Lathwen glared at Nestariel but shut her mouth quickly, not wanting to incur the wrath of the always calm and resonable Nestariel. There had been quite a few mishaps along the way to.

Orcs, wolves, hungry-wolves, flesh-eating-wolves, another orc or two...rain, mud, snow, snow, more hungry wolves...all in all, the Outlaw Maidens were *not* happy. At all. They hadn't stopped in Lorien per se, but they had acquired provisions from pleasant March Wardens who took pity on them. Either that, or they were intimidated by the lethal glares all five of them were sending their way.

Guess what happened after Lorien? Rain, more rain, snow, snow, rain, snow, wind, ice (lovely), and more bloody wolves! The abundance of these evil creatures scared the Outlaw Maidens somewhat...why were there so many all of a sudden?

Were the Valar punishing them for something they had done in a past life? Or was this their idea of having fun? Lathwen had voted on the latter, growling that Arda was the god-children's playpen.

At that comment, the three elves in the group had looked around fearfully, most likely waiting for lightning to strike their leader dead. Lily hadn't bothered waiting for the lightning, she had reached over and given Lathwen a bip on the head.

"Pull yourself together girl!" Lily roared, "We all know your situation, but make the best of it! Honestly, ever since Glorfy left Imladris you've been all out of sorts." Lathwen glared at Lily. If looks could kill, Lily would have been ash in ten seconds flat.

Lathwen gritted her teeth, "It has nothing to do with *him*" she hissed. (yeeaaahhh...) Lily sighed, "Want to bet?" Lathwen ignored the jibe and concentrated on steering Rosethorn around the various mud puddles and ice patches. Honestly, it was like a mine field! (Not that they'd know what that was)

Lathwen called a halt and told everyone to rest and eat on the summit of Weathertop. She looked around and shivered, the desolation of the hills causing chills to creep up and down her spine. Of in the distance, she could hear shouting. Bless her mother for being elven...

Lathwen instantly strung her bow and brought an arrow out from her quiver. The others followed her example.

"Where?" Lily asked in a clipped tone. "In front of us." Lathwen answered shortly.

"How far?"

"Maybe a quarter mile or so."

Lathwen and Lily mounted up. Nestariel explained quickly to Elenniel and Saerwen what they were about to do, and then they too mounted up on their steeds. "Let's go girls!" Lathwen shouted and spurred Rosethorn foreward in a gallop, going as fast as she could.

The wind wipped at their faces, chaffing them until their skin was dry, despite the moisture dripping from their eyes. Lathwen winced as the wind stung her sensative ears. Ten minutes later they could hear the shouts and grunts loud and clear. Five minutes later, they could see the fight.

Orcs. Elves.

Elves outnumbered, 3 to 1.

GGG.

Evil goblins.

Perfect welcome to Bree don't you think?

Without thinking, the Outlaw Maidens flew down the slopes and hills, letting their arrows fly.

/Protect the innocent...protect each other./

"There are weak spots in their armour!" Lathwen shouted as they slowed to a canter. The others listened intently, "The neck and under the arms! We have a better chance if we aim there!"

Lathwen looked at her group and said, "And those of you with swords...you'll be able to get them. Valar bless!" Lily grinned and shouted, "Ready girls? NOW!" With a whoop, Lathwen rode down the hill at a gallop, wind causing her hair to flutter and tangle itself until she no doubt looked possessed.

All other sounds and sights were zeroed out as Lathwen took part in the battle. She heard nothing except the thundering of hooves, grunting and screaming of goblins, and the tired gasping of Glorfindel's elves.

Lathwen aimed arrow after arrow, knowing that she would soon run out. Battle Fever trickled into her veins, incensing her to a higher level of prowess. Her elven blood sped her on, causing her accuracy to become lethal...she never missed, not once. She looked around once in a while, assuring herself that her girls were okay before plunging back into battle.

Sweat and dirt mingled in the air...Lathwen didn't remember much of the battle except the flashing of blades and the cries. She didn't know how much time had passed because her instinct had taken over. Kill, or be killed.

Which was why it came as such a surprise when Rosethorn suddenly neighed shrilly and stumbled onto her knees. Lathwen gasped and tumbled over her mare's head, landing in a heap on the ground in front of her.

She staggered upwards with a groan, knowing that it invited certain death if she stayed on the ground for even an instant. Looking at Rosethorn, Lathwen saw that a black feathered arrow protruded from her elbow. (Yes, horses have elbows.)

She knew that she couldn't leave the others...but Rosethorn's wound was most likely poisoned. Judging from the dullness of her mount's eyes, the wound was lethal. Lathwen's face twisted in a grimace as she fought back tears. Perhaps it was ridiculous to cry over a horse, but she felt bad all the same. Rosethorn had been a good friend...

Lathwen sobbed once before reaching back into her quiver and pulling out the last arrow. She shot it angrily at an orc who was sneaking up behind Nestaron. The March Warden turned and nodded his thanks wearily before returning to the fight.

Lathwen dropped her bow and quiver near Rosethorn and briefly placed a comforting hand on her muzzle before bounding over to Nestariel and rummaging in her friend's saddlebag for a spare weapon...anything. She dogged arrows as her friends formed a protective half circle around her, ensuring that she wouldn't be harmed during her search.

With a curse, Lathwen found nothing, and shouting a brief thanks to her girls, looked around for another option.

Oh Valar.

Glorfindel.

His bow had been knocked to the ground, and he was bending over to pick it up. As fast as he was, the orc charging at him would be faster, and Lathwen knew it. With a battlecry, Lathwen ran over as fast as she could, and nimbly pulled Glorfindel's twin daggers from his belt, just in time to block the orc's blow. (Sonario sound familiar? Check ch. 14)

Lathwen was astounded by this creatures brute strength. She had never actually come up against an orc physically with blades or hand to hand combat...she had always used arrows. Silently, Lathwen thanked Nestariel and Edhelwen for teaching her a bit about using blades.

Lathwen swept her right hand back and delivered a sidehand cut, which would have been deadly if the orc hadn't had any armour on. The metal rang against the orcs protective covering like a gong. Judging by the crack Lathwen heard, she had fractured a rib or two.

Good.

She thrust the right dagger towards the goblins face, while swinging the other one toward its underarm. The orc was so preoccupied in blocking the right dagger, that he didn't see the other one coming. The elven tempered metal bit through the armour and pierced the orc's arm. It let out a wild scream and fell to its knees in pain.

Breathing hard, Lathwen looked behind her to check on the others. Her stormy grey eyes met bright blue ones.

The bright blue ones were panicked, in turmoil. They held, fear, concern, anguish, thankfulness, rememberance...and love. She vaguely heard a voice cry out her name.

A blinding flash of pain in her left arm caused her to scream loudly. She reflexively threw her other dagger toward the source of the pain, and sighed in relief as another scream of pain outlined her own. It was dead. Glorfindel was safe.

Good...good...

Lathwen dropped to her knees and bit her lip so hard it bled. Comfortingly strong arms encircled her, and she leaned into the source of warmth.

"Shhh...shhh...all will be well melda."

Funny...that voice sounded familiar. She smiled slightly and breathed in the smell of pine...of the outdoors.

"You're safe love."

Lathwen snorted at that, "Since when have I ever been safe?" She said faintly. She lifted her head off of that persons chest and looked into bright blue eyes. "Glorfindel?"

"No...its Eru."

Lathwen blinked, not fully comprehending the sarcasm, "Eru? Really? So you have a sense of humor....that explains a lot." She went on, only half concious of the battle raging around her and her ramblings, "Well then Eru, I suppose you've come to tell me I'm being banished to Mandos' Halls or some such nonsense. Can't say I don't deserve it, considering everything I've done to hurt the poor elf's feelings in my lifetime. Not that its been much, because really, up until a year ago, I didn't have much of a life..."

"Lathwen...?"

"That's me! Of course, being Eru you must know all about what happened to me up until then..."

There was silence, "No...I don't. Tell me."

"An order? Oh goody! I get to take orders from the creators of the god-children who've been punishing me ever since I left Imladris. Oh well...I'll tell you anyway because now is a good a time as any."

Lathwen looked down at her arm and grimaced, "I do believe I'm going to die soon, judging by the amount of blood gushing from my arm. Ah...the gash is from my shoulder down to my wrist. An arrow would have been less painful, but at least I get to talk to you before I die. Of course, I may be able to see you after I die so do I really have to tell you now?"

"Yes...yes Lathwen. Stay still."

She felt a hand on her arm, poking and prodding and asked suspiciously, "What are you doing?"

"Healing you." 'Eru' answered.

Lathwen shook her head, "Fine by me. Anyway...as I was saying, in Bree I was a servant girl in my uncle's tavern. My parents were murdered by the Mori Fea curse when I was thirteen. That was a horrid, scary day...I felt so young and alone." Lathwen frowned, bracing herself against he wave of pain.

"My uncle employed me...and by employment I meant being enslaved. I was a slave to his bidding. He beat me like a dog...whipped me sometimes."

The hand on her arm stopped examining for a moment. "What?" Came the horrified voice. Lathwen nodded.

"Of course, it wasn't out of the ordinary, he treated everyone like that. He kept me in a state of near exhaustion and almost death. Who cared if I bled to death or not? Anyway...until I was eighteen I stayed there. One day I guess I just snapped, because I shouted and screamed like a madwoman and threw a plate at my uncle. I declared that I wasn't going to let him treat me like this anymore, and I ran away."

The hands stopped the examination and rested gently on her gash. Suddenly, they felt hot.

Lathwen, oblivious to this went on,"Of course, I bought a bow and arrows and stole a horse, but you aren't going to condemn me to Mandos just for that are you? Doing things like Feanor, I can understand being sent there, but all I did was escape from an almost certain death. Anyway, I met Lily in Imladris, and she came with me because she was in a similar situation. And it all snowballed from there."

The heat grew until Lathwen grew uncomfortable, and then it stopped. She shifted and all of a sudden she realized that there was silence.

She looked around, as if a veil had been lifted from her eyes. The orcs were all dead, and everyone else was staring at her.

Lathwen winced, "Oh...I suppose it wasn't only Eru listening then, was it?"


Chapter 40 - Residence of a Balrong

Disclaimer; If I owned Tolkien's Estate, I wouldn't have a disclaimer.
Note: Story=almost over. *sob*

The loud silence unnerved Lathwen and she scowled down at her arm, which, to her surprise, had no mark. No scar...no blood...not even a bruise! She looked up into bright blue eyes. "Did you...?" The elf lord nodded, looking at her with something she didn't want to acknowledge as pity.

She scowled deeper still...meddling elf. Curse it, now everyone knew...

She stood up quite suddenly and picked her way through the carcasses of various orcs and goblins, making her way to Rosethorn. Her white mare was still, she didn't move or make a sound when Lathwen called her name and gently stroked her face. Tears made their way down the Outlaw Maiden's leader's face as she looked into her horse's lifeless brown eyes.

She lightly fingered Rosethorn's mane, and heaved a sigh. She gently undid the saddlebags and took off the bridle and such. Quickly, Lathwen wiped away the tears and shouldered the saddlebag, still kneeling. "Lathwen..." Glorfindel said hesitantly.

"What?" She snapped. Nestaron winced, "Ouch..." She heard him whisper. Glorfindel asked, "Where are you headed?" She was in no mood to exchange banter, "Bree. To Eothain. What are you doing so far out here?"

Glorfindel frowned, "What does it matter to you?" Lathwen glared, "It doesn't." Lily glared at her leader and said, "Come on Bessie. You can ride Wildfire with me until we find you another horse." Lathwen stood up and immediately stumbled, still weak from the loss of blood. Glorfindel shook his head and silently threw her over his shoulder, and strode over to his horse.

"WHAT IN ARDA DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"

Glorfindel didn't answer. Lathwen looked at Lily pleadingly. She only smirked at the Outlaw Maiden's leader and shook her head. Lathwen looked at the other Outlaw Maidens. They all just smiled at her. She rolled her eyes and gave in, sulking while Glorfindel placed her atop his horse. The elf lord nimbly jumped up after her, and reached around her to grasp the reins.

The other Outlaw Maidens were still on their horses, so the group waited until Nestaron had remounted, then Glorfindel clucked his horse foreward at a canter, and they headed for Bree.

Glorfindel smiled down at the disagreeable woman in front of him. He could feel the heat of her anger radiating off of her. She glared up at him, serving only to make him more amused. "Thank you." He said quietly. Her glare turned into a confused look, "For what?"

"Saving my life once again."

"Well...you healed my arm, so I guess we're even."

Lathwen focused in front of her again. Curse the elf. So she was worried about his safety...that didn't mean much, did it? If it did...was she afraid of it? Why? What was with this elf's obsession over her? It was lust, not love...right?

Lathwen started arguing with herself, debating both sides.

/So why was he chasing after you? Why did he trust you with his nephews when he would trust no one else?/

/Because...um.../

/Yeah, that's what I thought Lathwen. He loves you, admit it./

/...okay, fine! He loves me. So what?/

/So what?! Love him back you nitwit!/

/Why?/

/Because both you and he deserve it. Because you know you love him. Because he loves you./

/But.../

/But what? Accept his love and love him back you moron. No but's about it./

/But what if I choose to be mortal?/

/You've already chosen to be *immortal*. You know it. Deep inside you know that you were meant to live as the elves do. You were meant to be immortal...you were meant to have the time that mortals don't./

Lathwen sighed, knowing that she wouldn't be able to argue her point.

/Okay, fine! I do care about him a little./

/You love him./

/Do not!/

/Do to!/

/Grrr.../

/Stop being so ridiculous and admit it! You aren't a child Lathwen!/

/I know.../

/See? Wasn't that hard was it?/

/That's just your opinion./

/I *am* you Lathwen./

The leader of the Outlaw Maidens drew herself from her reverie and turned her head to look at the elf lord behind her. He looked back, not angrily, sadly, or happily, he just looked. It was somewhat frightening.

"Why do you care?" Lathwen asked in a clipped tone to hide her shyness on the subject. Glorfindel sighed, knowing exactly what she was talking about, "I told you already."

"Tell me again."

"Because I love you."

"So if you didn't love me than you wouldn't care if I lived or not?"

"No...of course I would. But loving you was the top reason."

Lathwen felt pity now. She had hurt him, broken his heart, and she didn't know what that felt like so she couldn't have possibly cared. "Glorfindel...I'm sorry for what I said back in Imladris. I know you cannot help it, what you feel. I only made it worse...and I'm sorry for that." She whispered, knowing he would hear anyway.

Glorfindel tightened his grip on her waist and he said smoothly, "I understand. You've gone through much...it is hard for you to trust."

"Was."

"Pardon?"

"*Was* hard for me to trust."

"Have you changed your mind?"

"I don't know. I'm not sure..."

"I can wait."

Lathwen looked up at him, brow furrowed. He seemed so sure she was going to accept...did she want to? Of course she did.

"WE'RE HERE!" Came Lily's cry, so Lathwen didn't have time to think about it. Not that she would have anyway. Lathwen looked up, and upon seeing the small town, gasped. It was...different. Much different.

The people seemed shorter...and more hairy. "Hobbits." Glorfindel said in answer to her puzzled look.

Elenniel, Nestariel, and Saerwen looked around in amazement as they slowed to a trot. Nestaron, Glorfindel, and Lily however, looked impassive. Lathwen just looked apprehensive.

She could hear the whispers as the company passed. "There she is..." "It's Lathwen!" "She's back!" "...elves..." Lathwen smiled at the faces that looked out of the windows and peeked out from behind doors. Only some smiled back, such as the children and the hobbits. Everyone else was astonished.

Lathwen put a hand over Glorfindel's and gently pulled the reins back so the horse slowed to a stop. "Lathwen...?" Glorfindel asked, but the leader of the Outlaw Maidens didn't answer as she dismounted. Lily and Nestariel followed the suit, soon copied by Elenniel and Saerwen.

The Outlaw Maiden's were somewhat intimidating, striding down the streets with serious expressions, and not to mention identical clothing and hairstyles. Lathwen knew exactly where Eothain would be...and she hoped to high heaven that the visit would be when her uncle was resting.


Chapter 41 - A Mother's Legacy

Disclaimer; See chapter one...or two...or three...

Personally, Lathwen was shocked. The tavern was...abandoned. There were charred scorch marks along the walls and the ceiling inside, and the furniture was either turned over and broken lying on the floor, or missing altogether. Her footsteps echoed, bouncing off walls. The fireplace held nothing but ashes, which were easily blown away by the wind.

The other Outlaw Maidens were waiting just at the doorway, along with Glorfindel and Nestaron. Lathwen whirled around and stalked toward the door, her eyes gleaming with anger. The others silently parted, making way for her. Lathwen strode toward the side of the tavern which was shaded by the trees' shadows.

She halted and crossed her arms, her voice rough as she spoke one single word, "Why?" A figure moved and stepped out of the shadows, frightening everyone. A crowd had now gathered, watching and waiting suspiciously. Eothain answered softly, "I am sorry Lathwen. I thought you should know. Your uncle has passed."

Lathwen's eyes widened. A wave of emotions crashed down upon her soul, but she quickly mastered herself and asked, "Why not send word by letter?"

"There is something else I needed to show you."

Lathwen's eyes twitched, the only indication that she understood the unspoken message. "Very well." She said heavily, and turned to the crowd. She scanned the motley group and said, "This tavern...it is abandoned I suppose?"

A few in the mob nodded. Lathwen uncrossed her arms and said, "Then do with it what you will." She turned to walk back to her girls and the two other elves, but a hand on her sleeve stopped her.

Lathwen turned slowly, startled...amazed that someone had the bravery to speak with her...much less touch her! Not that she minded, but it was a surprise that any of these wary people would do such a thing. She saw a short somewhat chubby man standing before her, his quick eyes holding fear. Lathwen saw that he had curly hair and pointed ears...she looked at his feet. They were covered in hair also, and somewhat large. She smiled at the man, whom she realized now was a hobbit.

"Yes?" She said kindly. The hobbit stuttered a bit before getting the message out, "M..my...my lady? I was...um...it was agreed that I may use this tavern for my own purposes. I to, wish to own a tavern, but you'll excuse me if I say that you're uncle's tavern was a bit...er...rough." Lathwen knew what the hobbit was trying to ask and nodded, "Of course you may use it! No need to ask permission..."

The hobbit smiled with evident relief. "And my lady? We...I...I was wondering if you could give it a name? I'm afraid I'm no good at all with those things...and after all, it does rightfully belong to you..."

Lathwen smiled faintly, her eyes far away from the present time. The first thing she thought of was Rosethorn. She sighed and said, "How about the Prancing Pony?" The hobbit grinned, "Perfect my lady..." Lathwen smiled back at him and turned to go, but then hesitated and added, "Please, call me Lathwen..."

"Butterburr. Barliman Butterburr."

Lathwen nodded, "Call me Lathwen."

The leader of the Outlaw Maidens cast an inquiring look at the ranger behind her, then walked over to her girls and the two elves. Eothain quickly joined them and said, "My...I thought you'd be upset." Lathwen looked grim and said, "Of course I'm upset. I had hoped I'd get the chance to spit on his grave. But then...duty calls."

Eothain looked shocked, and was no doubt about to scold her when Glorfindel jumped in and said in elvish, "I'll tell later." Eothain nodded vaguely and said, "Er...yes. Lathwen, I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty to look about your parents house while you were away on your various escapades..."

Lathwen blinked, "Fine. And?"

"Come with me."

***
Lathwen and the others rode with Eothain in the lead. Lathwen felt a twinge as she recognized where they were headed. Though she hadn't walked this way for a half decade, she knew it immediately. She winced against Glorfindel as a small cabin came into view. Glorfindel felt her shift and tightened his grip on her waist for a moment before releasing her so she could dismount.

Lathwen swallowed as she walked with Eothain up to this little house. The others stayed behind, uncertain if they should go or stay. Eothain pushed the wooden door open, and with a creak it swung inside to reveal an empty house.

Literally, empty. The furniture was gone, the floor covered with a centimeter of dust, the cabinets empty...the two roomed house was completely desolate. Eothain strode to the middle of the floor and knelt down. Lathwen knelt beside him, giving him a questioning look.

The ranger pried one of the floorboards up to reveal a pure white piece of parchment tied with a frayed green ribbon. Eothain gently lifted it out while saying, "Your mother knew about the curse Lathwen. But she told no one, not even your father. I knew she wouldn't leave without saying goodbye."

Lathwen's mouth opened and shut a few times before she took the parchment and with trembling hands untied the ribbon. The parchment was smooth and pure, untarnished by dirt, and unravaged by time. The writing inside was hastily scribbled and wobbly, as if the person had an unsteady hand.

My dearest child,

If ever you wander upon this letter, know that your father and I loved you with all of our heart and soul, for by the time you read this, we will be gone. We did not choose this path Lathwen, and yet, it was inevitable. You are, no doubt, wondering how and why your father and I passed away. Under normal circumstances, I would write it down, but circumstances have prevented it from being safe to do so.
I wish with all my heart that I could save you the trouble and danger of finding it out for yourself. I will do my best to make it easier for you by saying that you should look to Imladris, where my relations dwell, and perhaps even the rangers. If you have found this out already, please, forgive us for not telling you sooner. Forgive us for the hardship we have put you through.
Lathwen, even as I pen this I feel as if the fires of Melkor are consuming me. Your father, because of his mortal blood, is fading more swiftly than I. I can hear his shouts and screams as he fights with the specters of the curse. Death is upon us both. I am beginning to see the faint outlines of that which I fear most. I will lay a spell upon this so it will last for as long as it has to until you find it.
It will be all I can do to put this in a safe place, in the hope that you and you alone will find this.

You Lathwen, were our greatest pride and the thing that we loved most, in this world, and outside of it. Know that we do not have any regrets. Please, do not fault yourself for what has happened. As I said before, our fate was inevitable. I beg you, do not become hard and cold because of this knowledge. Do not build a barrier around your emotions as those of human blood most often do after a loss. Always remember to love Lathwen. Always.

We love you with all of our hearts my sweet, sweet, child,
Your mother, Lireal



The parchment crumbled to dust in her hands the moment she finished reading it. Eothain was no longer in the room, and no one else was either. Lathwen sat back on her heels and thought about what her mother had said. Tears pricked her eyes and her throat swelled with the effort to hold them back. She finally gave in to a storm of tears, sobbing quietly, her forehead resting on her knees.

About ten minutes passed before Lathwen could collect herself. She raised her head and wipped away the moisture. She cleared her throat and grimaced at its sandpapery feeling. The door behind her creaked open again, and then shut. Lathwen didn't need to look to see who it was.

"Glorfindel?" She asked. The golden haired elf quietly sat down beside her, his presence the balm for her distress.

/Always remember to love Lathwen.../

"Are you better now?"

/Always/

Lathwen looked the elf in the eyes and said quietly, "Yes."

***
Lathwen sat against the huge oak tree near the lake where Glorfindel had gotten pushed in. After returning to Imladris, Lathwen had become less stern, and more open to strangers and friends alike. Everyone noticed a change in her...she was more relaxed and patient.

Lathwen watched the sunset with evident peace and pleasure. It was her favorite time of day. The wind blew gently, tugging at her dress and hair. Lathwen jumped in surprise as a twig snapped behind her. She looked behind herself and smiled slightly. Glorfindel stood there, leaning against the tree. He had obviously snapped the twig to alert her of his presence. How kind of him.

"The wind changes...fall comes. Time for the Outlaw Maidens to return to Tanglewood." The golden warrior drawled. He loped to her side and sat down with an easy, willowy grace. Lathwen plucked a few strands of grass and twirled them between her fingers, "Nothing is for certain," She said lightly, "Fate has a way of changing your plans."

Glorfindel eyed her and said sardonically, "Ah...the rich irony." Lathwen smiled and they fell silent.

Then Lathwen spoke up, "I've been meaning to tell you something for a while now. I've already told my girls, but no one else."

Glorfindel grinned, "So I've made the list? I'm honored."

"Glorfindel! I'm serious!"

"So am I."

Lathwen huffed and rolled her eyes. She sighed suddenly and said, "I've made my choice. Just after we left Bree I made my choice. Nothing can reverse it now." Glorfindel looked confused, but the leader of the Outlaw Maidens went on, "I chose to honor my elven blood."'

Glorfindel's mouth dropped open and his eyebrows skyrocketed to his hairline. "YOU DID WHAT?!" Lathwen frowned at him, "What? It was my choice, and I made it. What's so bad about that? After all, Lord Elrond chose to honor his elven blood and I don't see you shouting at him!"

Glorfindel answered, "That's because I finished doing that many many years ago! Lathwen, do you realize what it means to be immortal?"

Lathwen eyed him and said in a steady tone, "Yes." Glorfindel's intake of breath came as a hiss.

"I considered all of my options and the outcomes of each of them before I chose Glorfindel. I made no hasty decision. Just as you chose to live, I chose this."

Glorfindel stared at her for a good thirty seconds before he said weakly, "But Lily..."

"Is satisfied with mortal life. I *will* however, ask the Valar to make an exception whenever I choose to sail...if she lives till then. I've reviewed my various plans with her, and she agrees. Though she highly doubts she'll live until that time. Glorfindel, you must understand that I...we...understand what could, and what will happen. We are satisfied with my choice. Please...don't ridicule me for it."

Glorfindel shook his head soundlessly and the two fell into a comfortable silence.

They sat until the sun was almost gone, and then Lathwen said timidly, "There is also another thing I must ask." Glorfindel turned to look at her inquiringly.

"Are you...upset with my decision?"

Glorfindel waited a while before he answered, "Upset because you will have to suffer along with the elves. Not upset with your decision."

"Will you stay upset?"

Glorfindel looked at her in amusement, "Is this an interrogation?" He shook his head and said, "No. I will not stay upset for long." He looked at her and shifted so he could sit closer to her.

"There is something I must ask *you* now."

Lathwen looked back at him, waiting.

"I know in the past you have denied it. I know you say that I am not true...my love is not true. A few months ago I asked you...and you weren't sure..." The golden warrior faltered, but Lathwen smiled. She decided to make it easier on him.

"It is true," She said softly, "That I did not believe it when you first told me. Countless others saw what I did not." She searched for his hand and entwined their fingers. A ray of hope glimmered in the warrior's eyes.

"But I understand now. I know my answer."

"The answer is?"

"Yes. I love you."

Glorfindel grinned and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tender embrace. Bright blue eyes sought stormy gray. They met, and saw a mutual affection.

"I love you Lathwen."

"I know."

Glorfindel cupped her face in his hands and pressed his warm lips gently against hers. Lathwen stiffened in shock, but then melted into his embrace and returned the kiss.

***

Farewell we call to hearth and hall!
Though wind may blow and rain may fall,
We must away ere break of day
Far over wood and mountain tall.

To Rivendell where elves yet dwell
In glades beneath the misty fell,
Through moor and waste we ride in haste,
And whither then we cannot tell.

With foes ahead, behind us dread,
Beneath the sky shall be our bed,
Until at last our toil be passed,
Our journey done, our errand sped.

We must away! We must away! We ride before the break of day!
________________________________________________Fin_______________________________________________________________

(THERE IS AN EPILOGUE COMING SOON...LIKE, TODAY PROBABLY)


Chapter 42 - Epilogue

Disclaimer; Ha! You thought I was Tolkien? I'll be sure to do my makeup differently from now on...
Note: THE END IS HERE! Tell me if you want a sequel or another story about the Outlaw Maidens. You have no idea how sad it made me to type this...


Elenniel and Saerwen stood in the meadows near their headquarters in Tanglewood. A crowd of 2,000 Outlaw Maidens stood before them, silent. Those two were now the leaders of the Outlaw Maidens, dubbed so by Lathwen Alanessa, the original leader, and had been for quite some time.

They had seen many maidens come and go...they had seen their sisters die in battle only to find more to take the place of the dead. It was a horrid job in a way, but a necesary one.

Lathwen and Glorfindel had bonded, and were happily awaiting a child. But then, she, Glorfindel, and Nestariel had sailed for the Undying Lands after Lily died from orc poison after an arrow had pierced her side.

Edhelwen and Beinion had already sailed, and had greeted the three others warmly once they set foot upon Valinor, but were no doubt most distraught when word of Lily's death reached them. Manwathiel and Saerwen had sailed soon after Lathwen and Nestariel. (Nestaron the March Warden, came over to Valinor much later with the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien.) Glorfindel had sailed with Lathwen, as I said before, only to return to aid a hobbit named Frodo and to attend the Council of Elrond.

But the time of the ring had passed, and the time of the elves was gone. Glorfindel had returned to Valinor, this time to stay, bringing tidings from many places and people.

The Outlaw Maidens numbers had swelled to over 3,000 soon after the ring was unearthed by another hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. It had stayed steady until the time after the ring, when most of the Outlaw Maidens who were elves sailed for Valinor. Elenniel and Saerwen had been sure to send a letter to Lathwen and the other Outlaw Maidens with every boat load of maidens who had sailed. In every letter they updated those who had sailed and gave them news...they included every single detail about everything they heard.

By rare chance a messenger from Valinor would arrive with a letter from Lathwen, telling her of everything that went on in the Undying Lands, which was most often amusing.

Anyway...since almost all of the elves in the Outlaw Maidens had sailed, their number dwindled to 2,000. Soon to be two less than that.

Elenniel called out in the silence, "Saerwen and I have decided to sail, as most of you already know. The time of our people is over, the sea calls to us. Every since Lathwen Alanessa sailed, we have upheld every tradition and law that she founded. When a new Maiden comes, she will stay for a few months then make the decision to join us. If she decides to, she will be sworn in during a Blood-Oath ceremony. When one of our number dies, we give her a proper buriel and grave. We honor our sisters, and cherish them."

Saerwen added, "When we leave, we expect it to stay that way. The Outlaw Maidens may wither and die, but we expect to be remembered. We have forged a history, a path for women to follow. We cannot let ourselves be forgotten! We will not be forgotten! We are the Outlaw Maidens of Tanglewood, and we will not die!"

A cheer rose from the women assembled, echoing through the valleys and hills, so that people in Minas Tirith could hear it.

Elenniel waited for the cheering to die down and said, "Elana, step forward."

A human girl, twenty or so, stepped forward, dark eyes serious.

Saerwen said, "We have named you leader in our stead, and in our founder's stead. We are now mostly composed of the human race, and therefore the leader must be a human to lead. Soon the elves will be gone Elana, and every trace of us removed from this earth. It is your duty now, to lead our sisters with strength and wisdom. Most importantly, do not let them forget the days when humans and elves worked hand in hand. Do not let them forget our legacy."

Elenniel nodded seriously, "The legacy of the strong, wise, couragous Outlaw Maidens. The legacy of women. The legacy of trust and love. We *are* the legacy girls...never forget that."
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