I have returned my lovelies! It's been over a year. Don't shoot me. I'm back now, and with a Two Part, extra damn long chapter, so I hope I can somehow redeem my lateness!

Hope you have all been well!

LETS GET THIS QUEST SHITE ON THE ROAD!

xoxoxo

- Jane

Chapter Four

-Part One-

Gifts in the Dark

Night had befallen Imladris once more. It seemed like a lifetime since she had volunteered for the quest of the Ring, but Aeariel knew that it had merely been days. The preparations for the Fellowship and the departure of their esteemed guests had been the focus of Rivendell since the Companions had been chosen. Aragorn and Boromir had continually attempted to train the hobbits with short-swords, hoping to give them a bit of guidance and self-defence for their quest.

Aeariel stood in the armory deep below the grounds of Rivendell, eyeing thousands of elvish weapons that were housed. She did not hear the door creak open, Elrond standing on the threshold watching her. "I'm happy I found you here," Elrond stepped in, giving her a weak smile. Aeariel turned to look at him in distress. "I have a gift for you."

The young elf maid lifted a perfectly arched brow. Elrond moved past her, and she followed, unsure of where he was leading her. "My lord... you have barely spoken to me... since my choice was made. I know that you are disappointed... I know that you and several others do not see me as fit for this quest... but, the decision was mine to make, and I made it. There is no turning back now."

Elrond was silent for a moment or two before letting out a heavy breath. "I have said all I need to, Aeariel. Your decision has been made. I cannot sway your mind, and so I hold out hope for your safe travels and return... here, to me."

She knew that there were no worthwhile promises for her to make, so she kept silent, stopping behind him when he paused. There was a door carved into the matching wall. Aeariel had never noticed it before, and she had been in this room hundreds, if not thousands, of times. "What is this room?"

Elrond pushed the door open. "The room in which the higher lords keep their weapons... mine... your fathers... brothers..."

Aeariel felt her breath catch as she stepped into the room. It was lit by a massive skylight, one she had never noted from above ground. The walls were lined with the most intricate and beautiful weapons she had ever seen. All under lock and key, she moved along the wall to inspect them. Besides their beauty, each weapon was obviously powerful. Perfectly made, and elven. She paused, hesitating, as she came upon the large wall that housed her late father and brothers weapons.

Elrond came up to her side, smiling, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Take your pick... they are all yours now."

Aeariel didn't know weapons well enough to know where to start. Elrond promised to provide her with an elven weaposn belt; the weight of the weapons chosen would not be felt, nor deter her movements. She chose her brothers bow, and quiver full of arrows. Elrond chuckled, explaining how Nedhudir had enchanted his quiver to 'never empty.' She chose her father's long blade, which could be fastened to her back, in front of the quiver. Despite the obvious weight of most weapons, they all felt so light held-up on her body. Next, Elrond presented her with a gift from his own collection.

Two, beautiful, gleaming, long daggers. Their hilts were carved with the finest of elven designs, and they glowed in the moonlight. They were warm to the touch and felt safe and welcoming. Home. "No matter where you are, these will always make you feel close to home," he explained. "And no matter if you lose them or they get taken... they will find their way back to you, as you are their home now."

Aeariel did not feel worthy of such gifts. She fell to her knees, bowing low in front of Lord Elrond. "I cannot thank you enough, my lord... all of these years... you have taken care of me... been so kind... a father..."

Elrond knelt quickly in front of her; so quickly she thought he had fallen. Before she could look up and reply, he was wrapping his arms around her tightly, pulling her close. "And you a daughter to me... I ask you one more time... please... do not do this..."

Aeariel leaned into him with all of her weight, the two of them kneeling steadily. "I will return to you."

Elrond squeezed her tighter to him. She felt something wet, warming her hair. Tears. "You must," his voice was heavy and choked; attempts to hide his sorrow.

They stayed in that position for a long time.

Chapter Four

-Part Two-

The Quest Begins

They assembled, the ten of them, at the gates to Rivendell. Half of the court was there to say their goodbyes. Aeariel could not approach nor embrace Elrond one more time... she knew if she did.. she would forsake the quest and stay. She could barely look at him now, as he addressed their band of unlikely heroes. They were only taking one horse with them, and he was loaded down greatly.

She had spent the morning with her ladies. They had been crying with almost everything they had done for her. Bathing her the last time, brushing and braiding her long hair. Helping her dress in her travel clothes. All elven, she would be shielded from all of the elements. Brown leather boots with thick and sturdy soles. Light pants of a soft brownish-grey, and a matching top, half of which was made of a thick but light chainmail. Overtop was a long overcoat of a light forest green, and then a beautiful cloak, fastened with a minature Evenstar pendant, and intricate hood. They had helped her to apply her weapons and brought her a small but sustainable breakfast. They had been the last of the Rivendell folk that she had embraced with a heavy heart.

"The Ring-bearer is setting out on a quest to Mount Doom," Elrond indicated Frodo, and then the rest of them. "On you, who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will." While he addressed them all, his eyes landed and lingered on Aeariel's face.

The other elves assembled showed faces of sadness and hope. All were wishing for the best outcomes.

"Farwell, hold to your purpose... may the blessings of Elves, and Men, and all Free Folk go with you." Elrond, Legolas, Aragorn and she all put their right hands to their hearts, and then extended their arms. The elven sign of peace, hope, and farewell. Tears choked her. But she held it together.

"The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer," Gandalf said gruffly.

Upon Frodo's movement, they all began to turn and move towards the gate, exiting the beautiful kingdom. Aeariel paused, turning one last time. She took in her home, her people and Lord Elrond, he extended his arm to her again, and she nodded... before following the Fellowship out into the wilderness.

They crossed the bridge that Aeariel knew would be the last of the true accesses to Imladris. The river, Bruinen flowed smoothly, quietly, slowly, beneath them. She knew as Lord Elrond had some powers over the control of the river, it was currently reflecting the way he felt... slow, sad... quiet... She kept her head up trying to ignore the soft babbling as it flowed freely beneath them. Was the river his last way of trying to call her back? When they crested a hill on their descent of the valley, she turned and looked at her home one more time, letting the rest of the pack pass her slowly.

She could still smell the air, feel the soothing love of the waters, the light, and happiness of her home. And she was to leave it... it was now or never. She could easily slip away... back down the mountain... back to her people.

"One choice."

She gasped, turning to see Aragorn stopped above her, waiting. "You may return. Go back, be safe, be happy."

"I-"

"-Or you continue on, with us," he offered her his hand. "Leave this world behind you, if only for a short while... forsake some of what you know... possibly do some horrible things... things that will change your life, your thoughts, and who you truly are... set yourself into danger... a possibility of no return... the choice is yours."

She looked at him, their light eyes gazing at each other. She could feel the warmth raditating from her home, calling her back. Aragorn's eyes were willing her to turn and got back... she knew that almost everyone wanted her back in Rivendell, away from the quest. Then she turned, looking back at her home... even from the distance, she could see some figures moving about... maybe one of them was Elrond, already missing her. She felt a knot in her stomach, threatening to make her cry.

Why did this seem so unfair? Why had the Ring been uncovered? Why could it not have stayed within the shadows in which it had been hiding for all of these years? Life was nothing but happiness, dashed with the horror that was the reality. Fate. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself. No, I will show no more weakness. This is my decision. It is final.

She turned, looking at Aragorn, her heart hurting as she saw the look on his face. "I'm sorry, Aragorn." She reached out and took his hand.

Aragorn gripped her firmly as he pulled her up towards them, his eyes full of hurt. He had hoped for another outcome. "Your choice is made," his voice was quiet. "Come, we must catchup to the others." He pulled her in front of him as they continued on their ascent.

The protective mountainous chasm that hid Rivendell was thinning out, their climb was coming to an end. They entered a steep cave, continuing up until she saw a light, knowing that soon she would be leaving the protective realm of Elrond Half-elven. Sunlight flooded her face with warmth and Aeariel had to shield her eyes as she stepped out into it.

She stared around her. The Fellowship had waited for them, a little ways ahead. The area outside of Imladris was mountainous and covered in bushes and shrubs. Rocky, and full of high hills. She took in a deep breath of the new air. "I have not been outside of Imladris in a very long time... I did not even recall what the outside looked like."

Boromir smirked, shrugging. "The world is a big place, my lady. There is much for you to feast your eyes upon."

"And great beauty," Legolas nodded.

"Come," Gandalf stepped forward, holding his staff firmly. "Let us begin."

They walked in a line, most of the time in single file. It seemed like most of their journey continued on in an uphill fasion. Often time, the ground was rigid and rough, causing the hobbits to stumble too and fro.

"Is there no easier way?" Sam whined, after slipping for the fourth time.

"I'm afraid not, Master Hobbit," Aeariel patted him on the shoulder as she passed him stealthily. Elves were extremely well-balanced and light on their feet, Unlike the rest of their crew, Legolas and she would have no hard time navigating their way across the lands. "Imladris' enterance is hidden in this area for a reason. Imagine, trying to force an army through this terrain."

Sam grumbled something about 'elvish wit' that made her smile.

They passed the ruins of Weathertop. Frodo had let out a gasp of horror when he eyed the place, turning his gaze quickly. Aeariel had heard of the events of the night, and a shudder ran through her... the Nazgul were a harsh and terrifying enemy... but their leader... the Witch-king of Angmar... she felt her breath catch and she too, had to look away from the place.

They traveled for most of the day. After an hour or so, the hobbits had grown docile and quiet, not daring to complain anymore. Everyone was rather silent as they trecked on, some occasional grunts as someone made to move over the terrain, and heavy breathing. The sun was high up in the sky, beating down on them with all of it's heat. Aeariel could not believe that she was actually sweating beneath her clothing, breathing heavily. Even Legolas looked as if he too were not used to such means of travel.

"Do you know all of the directions?" Pippin quipped during their hottest and most tiring hour. "Do you know the length?"

They were climbing up into an area that was extremely rocky, compared to the rest. It was steep, and the light shade was weclome.

"We must hold this course, west for the Misty Mountains for forty days," Gandalf said with a breath. "If our luck holds, the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us. From there, our road turns east to Mordor."

"Forty days?"

"Gandalf," Aragorn stepped up on a rock to be level with the tall wizard. "We should stop to rest now. Evening will be upon us, and the hobbits are not used to such journeying."

Gandalf nodded, leaning his staff against a rock. "We shall make camp. We've had a long day, but a good start. As for the hobbits, they will get used to the travel very soon."

Everyone seemed to be happy for the welcome relief. Dropping their bags to the ground and sittign about. Gandalf pulled out his pipe, sitting as little ways away from the group. Thinking, as he always did.

Aeariel unroleld a sleeping roll from her bag, setting it up under the sun, untying her boots and undoing her cloak. She lay down, shielding her eyes from the sun.

"Are you yet tired of this quest?"

She looked over, Aragorn was setting up his roll beside hers. "Not yet. My feet have held on so far."

He chuckled, eyeing her things. "Those are some pretty weapons you have. Heirlooms?"

She nodded, "Nedhuir and my fathers... the daggers are from Lord Elrond."

Aragorn eyed the weapons affectionatley. Deep in thought, she watched the small smile slip from his face, the light leaving his eyes. He reached out from where he sat, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I wish you had stayed."

"Aragorn..." Aeariel pulled herself up, looking at him. "You cant keep doing this. I am here now. Nothing to be done. I need you to understand and to respect my choice."

He looked at her fully. Their eyes boring into eachother. "I just wish..."

"I know." She leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. "Just know that I will be okay."

He nodded. "Gi melin."

She felt her lips twich into a smile and she leaned in for another kiss. Aragorn pulled her to him, his lips moving with hers in a perfect motion. Thumph. Pippin sat down with a huge content sigh right on Aeariel's mat, smiling. Aragorn and she broke away, turning to look at him. Pippin sat with his legs crossed and eyes closed, a smile on his face. Aragorn looked at him in annoyance. "Beautiful day to travel, isn't it?" The hobbit said.

Aeariel laughed. "You enjoy the sun Master Hobbit?" She squeezed Aragorn's hand affectionately as he stood to go talk to Gandalf.

"We folk do, yes. Like to garden and play in the sun all day. Picnics and parties."

She crept closer. "Well, we wont be seeing much of those for a while."

"That's alright," he opened his eyes to look at her. "Hobbits dont often get to go on adventures."

Aeariel felt her heartache at this statement. Oh Master Took... if only this was just a simple adventure.

She didn't know how long they talked for, but eventually, he drifted away and she lay on her mat to take a small nap. When she opened them again, Sam was busy cooking food over a small fire, Gimli was talking loudly to Gandalf, and Boromir was training Merry and Pippin. She eyed Aragorn smoking his pipe watching the training with a grin. Legolas stood upon a rock, keeping his eyes on the surroudning area. She climbed her feet to join him.

"Enemies everywhere," his voice was low so that only she could hear. "I feel it in the air... taste it in the water... see it in the light... do you sense it?"

Aeariel nodded, scanning the area. "It started again... I remember the times before... this time is different."

"Worse."

"Exactly." She took his hand, "Gi nathlam hi, Greenleaf réd -o Thranduil." (You are most welcome here, Greenleaf, son of Thranduil)

He peered at her now, looking at Aeariel's face as if he were studying it; like he had never fully noticed her until now. "Guren glassui, Hiril vuin." (Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, my lady)

They heard shouting and laughter, turning to see that Merry and Pippin had begun to tackle Boromir, who lay on the ground howling with laughter. Aragorn stood to help his comrade, when he was pulled down - hard - into the fray. Aeariel laughed, it was nice to see something light, despite the circumstances. She turned back to the beautiful scenery. Such beauty was Middle Earth... wait... she narrowed her eyes. What the?

"Legolas, ceri cin see i?" She climbed to a higher point, and the elf prince followed. In the diatance, moving towards them quickly was a small whiff of something black. "Na ha?" (Legolas, do you see that? What is it?)

Legolas followed her, and the two of them had their bows at the ready.

"What is that?" Samwise Gamgee broke through the laughter.

Gimli turned his attention, waving off the halflings worries. "Nothing, it's just a wisp of cloud."

Everyones attention was now turned to the movement. "It's moving fast..." Boromir's voice was stiff. "Against the wind."

Both elves' eyes focused on the shape at the right time. "Crebain from Dunland!" Legolas shouted.

"Hide! Hurry! Take cover!" Araogrn yelled in panic, the entire camp breaking out in movment.

Everyone scrambled to grab their things and hide. Legolas and Aeariel dove into some shrubery, hiding beneath the green. The loud black birds, much like large crows, flew over their area quickly. Circling around and screeching, before taking off back from the direction they came. When Aeariel was sure they were far enough away, she turned to Gandalf, and they all began to rise from their positions.

"Spies of Saruman," the Wizard said with a heavy voice. Tired. "The passage south is being watched." He looked at all of them. "We must take the Pass of Caradhras."

All eyes turned towards the enormous snow-covered mountain, far above them in the distance.

"Now would be a good time for some boots." Pippin quipped.