All for the Ones I Love

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-Duchess- Thanks again for reviewing. I needed it. I fixed most everything (I think) Don't worry Legolas will soften up soon. He's just angry at the others right now.

Chapter 5: Leaving Home.

Arwen stayed in Rivendell for a few months. She along with Aragorn and the twins would spend the days hunting (within the borders, Elrond would have it no other way), play and practice fighting, occasionally Arwen and Aragorn would step out unnoticed to walk through the gardens or a picnic where they wouldn’t be seen. Today however all four were racing through the paths leading to Imladris.

It was the same path the twins and Aragorn had taken back when Legolas had been visiting and Aragorn had once again cheated using the same path he had used last time. Unfortunately the twins had anticipated this and being the loving brothers they were allowed Arwen to take the lead while they hung back.

Coming up on the end of the path Aragorn had expected to see one of his twin brothers, but was surprised to see Arwen swiftly take the lead. At the speed he was heading they would crash. Thinking quickly he pulled the reigns of his horse sharply back.

The horse whinnied in protest at the mistreatment alerting Arwen to his presence and she to pulled back, more out of habit and surprise. Seeing this as their chance to win the twins urged their horses forward and pass their stunned sister and brother.

Elladan reached the gates first with Elrohir close behind him.

Gilraen had watched the race from one of the many balconies. She had been watching him from a distance ever since she had spoken with her son. The meetings he had with the fair Undomiel didn’t make her happy at all. Not that she wasn’t happy about the fact her son had fallen in love with someone, she only wished it wasn’t an elf, especially Arwen. She had debated for a long time if she should tell someone or not. If she did then all of this would be over before it started, but then there were consequences. Elrond and the twins would become angry at him for falling for her in the first place. That would hurt her son a lot. However, if she just kept silent then there was a chance that it would pass as quickly as it came, but again the risks were high. There was the possibly that it wasn’t a simple childish crush, and then what would happen? She feared that possibility most.

As she watched them argue over who had won and what was fair. She thought that maybe it had just been a passing thing. Nothing was going on between them. At least her son was still talking to her and she hadn’t seen any of the signs one who had been love struck had. Then again they didn’t bring the subject up at all.

“I see they have returned.” said a voice from behind her.

Gilraen turned startle at the suddenness of the voice she jumped around coming face to face with Elrond’s military advisor. Glorfindel.

The Gondolin elf smiled apologetically he had not meant to startle her, “I apologize Gilraen, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Gilraen brushed a stray hair from her eyes tucking it neatly behind her ears, “ It’s alright Lord Glorfindel, no harm done.”

Glorfindel chuckled as he shook his head, “My lady how many times must I tell you? It is not necessary to call me Lord. You are among friends here, such formalities are not needed amongst friends.”

Gilraen giggled, “ I know Glor, I suppose it’s just a habit I have.”

Glorfindel looked over the balcony, in time to see Lord Elrond coming out to met his children. “Why do you not go down to see them, I’m sure Estel would like nothing more than to see his mother.”

Gilraen sighed, “I don’t know Lor… Glorfindel. It seems he has found another interest.”

Glorfindel looked confused, “I do not understand.”

Gilraen smiled and patted the blonde elf’s shoulder, “I know, but don’t worry about it. It is nothing but an old mothers worries.” with that she left.

Glorfindel watched over the balcony, eyes searching out Aragorn. He couldn’t see what she was talking about, but would keep an eye out anyway.

Elrond greeted his children in the courtyard. He smiled as he listened to the friendly bickering of his sons and daughter. All insisting the others had cheated in their race and how they should be the winner. No one remembered who had really won the race.

Acting quickly Elrond cleared his throat. All instantly fell silent. “What I have I told you about running through the gates like that?” as much as he tried to hide it the others could clearly see the spark of mirth in their fathers eyes. “You’ll have the whole house in an uproar with those type of entrances. It’s bad enough you run through like that when one of you is injured, but to do it when your well.”

Before Elrond could continue his good natured lecture another horse ran through the gates nearly trampling Elrohir and Arwen.

A brown horse, decorated in a leather travel worn saddle and bridle. The man ridding the hose jumped off before the horse even stopped. He wore a travel cloak that looked to have seen many years and many more battles. Dark boots came up to mid-calf, dark brown and red clothes covered the rest of him.

Elrond’s fatherly instincts instantly took hold. He jumped defensively in front of his children. “What is the meaning of this!? Who are you?”

The rider removed his hood reveling a man with straggly dark hair and stubby beard. “Peace my Lord.” he gave a hasty elven bow, “I mean no intrusion, nor to skip on formalities, but I seek the one you call Estel. My message comes form the leader of the southern rangers it is most urgent.”

“I am the one you seek.” said Aragorn stepping forward.

“Something has happened in the Shire. We need your help.”

Elladan looked up, “What has happened?”

“A large group of orc riders have been spotted near the halfling settlement. We believe they plan to attack.”

Aragorn left before the message had been reveled entirely.

Elrohir face flashed with anger and turned to the ranger, “We will join you, on the ride out.”

Elladan nodded seriousness etched into his every feature. IT always amazed Elrond on ho quickly his sons could go from being as happy and carefree as young elflings to seasoned warriors in only a second. The man gave his thanks and jumped back on his horse and waited while the elves and man ran into the house to change and make preparations for the day and nights ride.