Chapter 1
The Messenger

The world swirled round before her eyes. She stumbled over a tree log and fell onto the cool forest floor. She struggled onto her hands and feet. Her breath came in ragged gasps. Her head ached. She pulled herself onto her feet, holding a tree for balance, the pain was overpowering. She swayed unsteadily. She staggered a few feet before she collapsed in the middle of the road. Her head cracked off a rock and she was left unconscious.

Aragorn battled through the rain, urging his horse onwards towards Rivendell. He entered the forest, its leafy canopy sheltering him from the worst of the rain. His black hair whipped about his face, his sword lay heavy on his back. He rounded a corner and his horse reared, nearly throwing him off. He reined in the stallion, soothing it before looking down to see what the problem was. An elf-maiden lay in the middle of the road. He climbed down, cautiously. His years of being a Ranger had taught him well. This may be a trap. He moved forwards towards her with his sword drawn. He reached her side. She was unconscious and she looked deathly pale but even in this condition she held a great beauty, something radiated around her. Aragorn wanted to know more about her. Her brown hair was swept about her face. Her eyelids were shut preventing him from seeing her eyes. He carefully picked her up and laid her across the back of his horse. Holding her into place, he swung himself onto the horse. Now he had two reasons to get to Rivendell. He whispered to his horse in the Elven tongue. It reared and then took off.

The rain had lessened slightly and Aragorn's saw Rivendell in the distance, only a few leagues. He could feel his horse was tiring but the elf needed the Healers help and soon. He urged his horse on. He had named the horse Brego. It was a loyal and proud creature. It loved Aragorn and wanted to do the best for him. He put on a last burst of speed and in minutes they had reached the gates. The elf guards let them in immediately. They knew Aragorn and they had seen an ill elf-maiden. He reared in Brego and dismounted, carefully so he did not harm the elf anymore. He then ran to the House of Elrond and was let in. The elf was taken from him and rushed to the Healers. He was taken to rest before his meeting with Elrond and Gandalf.

Later he made his way to Elrond's chambers. He had changed out of his wet and dirty travelling clothes and put on a black cloak over a simple black shirt and trousers. Both garments looking slightly tattered. Aragorn didn't care about his appearance, not like the elves did. He strode down the hall, powerful in his own way. Not many knew his secret. In fact he believed only Gandalf and Elrond knew. It was not something he wanted broadcast. The doors opened and there sat Elrond and Gandalf. He walked up to them, shook Elrond's hand and hugged Gandalf.

"It has been far too long, my friend."

"Nay," replied Gandalf "it has been only 2 years."

"Still for some that is to long."

Elrond interrupted the conversation between the two old friends. "I hear you rescued an elf-maiden on your way here."

Aragorn turned to him. "That is true. She was lying in the middle of the path. There were no injuries on the outside except she was knocked unconscious, looked deathly pale and was cold to the touch. How is she? Is she better?"

"Yes Aragorn she is almost fully recovered thanks to you and the Healers. She wishes to meet her rescuer. I would also like to thank you. Do you know which elf-maiden you rescued?"

"No I have never seen her before. Pray, tell me her name."

"Her name is Arwen and she is my daughter Aragorn. I thank you kindly for what you did."

"Your daughter?" Aragorn looked shocked. "But I have never seen her here before. Did she hide away?"

"No Aragorn she has stayed at Lothlorien for many of her years and she was finally returning to Rivendell when her health took a turn for the worst. You got to her just in time. Any longer and she may not have made it to see her homeland, she would have never seen its beauty and that is something no one should miss out on." Elrond was very proud of Rivendell.

"I thank you for the praise but may I ask why she stayed at Lorien with the Lady Galadriel and not her own father?"

"She spent some of her time here when she was a very young child, but then she decided after her mother passed away to go to Lady Galadriel and stay there. Finally she has wanted to come and stay with her father. I am very proud her."

Gandalf smiled to himself. He had been watching Aragorn's face during the conversation and he thought he may have seem a glimmer of interest in Arwen. He did not doubt this, as Arwen was one of the most beautiful elves in all of Middle Earth, falling only behind the Lady Galadriel. Many men and elves had fallen under her spell, Aragorn was no different.

3 days later and Arwen had still not met her rescuer. But her father was holding a ball that evening where he would introduce Arwen to Rivendell officially. And there she would meet Aragorn. Aragorn had spent most of him time out in the wilds of Rivendell while Arwen had been acquainting herself with Rivendell's many halls and corridors.

Arwen stood in front of the mirror. She looked at the silver dress she wore. It fitted her perfectly, showing off every curve. Feeling her forehead she felt the slight bump that had occurred when she had fallen onto path in the middle of the road. She didn't remember much except strong arms had lifted her onto a horse. She was half in and half out of conscious at this point. She remembered a strong chest behind her and an arm keeping her from falling. Her power had been weakened and she was completely dependent on this stranger. But she did not feel that his aura was dangerous. She felt strangely secure in this person's arms. Her thoughts returned to the present. She looked back into the mirror and sighed. She wasn't sure of herself. She wanted to be perfect for her father. He hadn't seen her in many years. She was also going to meet her rescuer and several other elves her father thought highly of. She didn't want him to be ashamed off her. There was a knock at her door and her father entered. He smiled at her.

"Arwen, you look lovely. Absolutely perfect." He kissed her lightly on her forehead. "Are you ready to meet the guests?"

She nodded. "Do not be nervous for you will be fine."

Her father's words eased her and she took his arm. He led her through the maze of tunnels and into the magnificent Hall, perfect for feasts and dancing. They stood at the door waiting for Gandalf and Aragorn. Gandalf arrived first. He kissed Arwen lightly on the hand.

"Good day fair lady." His eyes sparkled with joy and laughter. She curtsied and accepted his greeting. While her father stood at the door greeting more guests Arwen turned to Gandalf.

"Gandalf, do you know who my rescuer was? I am meeting him and I would like to know a bit more about him."

Gandalf smiled. "I know him well. His name is Aragorn and you could not find a more loyal, kind man. If he were your friend he would protect you till death. He is a Ranger. You know of them yes?"

"Yes I've heard of them before. They roam all of Middle-Earth and they are every knowledgeable. So he is a man?"

"Yes Arwen he is a man. And here he comes know."

Arwen turned to see Aragorn walking down the corridor to greet her father. He was dressed all in black. His hair had been washed and he had found a black tunic that fitted him perfectly. She was drawn to his eyes. They held so much emotion in them. His rugged beard completed the Ranger looked. She immediately felt attracted to him. This was unusual for her, as her past relationships had been abysmal. He greeted her father and turned to Gandalf and smiled at the wizened wizard. Aragorn shook Gandalf's hand and turned to her.

"Aragorn this is Arwen. I believe you have already met her but she has not met you." Elrond introduced them. He took her hand and kissed it. She curtsied.

"I hope you are feeling better than the last time we met." She smiled.

"I am thank you very much. I would like to thank you for bringing me to Rivendell. My health had been weakened by many days' travel."

His eyes twinkled. "And I thought elves never got ill. You learn something new every day!" She blushed and looked at her feet.

Elrond clapped his hands and said, "Well, shall we take our seats? The feast will be beginning soon."

Elrond took Arwen's hand and led her to the head of the table. She sat on Elrond's right and on his left sat Gandalf, and then next to him sat Aragorn. She wondered why Aragorn sat at the head of the table. He was not special or royalty. She had no idea. She made a mental note to ask Gandalf after the feast. She had taken a liking to Gandalf. The feast passed uneventfully, the room filled with chatter and laughter. When everyone had eaten his or her full the dancing started.

The band played a merry tune and most of the guests rose and took to the dance floor. A hand tapped her on the shoulder and she jumped in surprise. Gandalf stood there offering her his hand for a dance. She took his hand and, laughing, followed him onto the dance floor. She had a great time with Gandalf on the dance floor. He twirled her and she flew out to his side. She felt eyes on her and she looked round. She caught Aragorn's gaze and they both looked away embarrassed. When the dance ended she thanked Gandalf and walked back to her seat. She watched the guests on the dance floor. Many of them were slightly drunk and some had no rhythm. And some danced out of time. She laughed quietly at their antics.

"Laughing at guests? Tut tut." The voice in her ear startled her. She whirled round to find Aragorn standing there with a smile on his face.

She laughed. "I was not laughing at them, I was laughing with them. See how they are all laughing? I was joining in the spirit." She retorted.

"Would you care to dance with me?" he asked her offering his hand. She took it and followed him onto the dance floor.

He had watched her while she was dancing with Gandalf. She was beautiful. The way her hair moved when she twirled, the way she laughed and the room seemed to fill with light. She had caught him staring and he had looked away, embarrassed. He twirled her and she spun away and then right back to him. He caught her in his arms and gazed at her. He could feel the electricity between them. The seconds turned to minutes and the minutes into hours. She broke the moment by pulling him back into the dance. He was beginning to fall in love with this beautiful elf-maiden. Would she ever love him? He doubted it. She must be with someone already. No one could miss her beauty. He didn't want the dance to end but it did and another elf broke in and pulled her away from him. He stood for a moment before he headed back to the table. He sat down next to Gandalf.

"She is certainly beautiful, wouldn't you agree?" Aragorn looked at him and answered.

"That is very true." Gandalf smiled at him. If he wanted to talk Gandalf knew he would do so in his own time and not before. Nothing could be pressed out of Aragorn. They sat in silence for a few minutes.

"Is she with anyone Gandalf?"

"No Aragorn she has never lasted long with anyone."

Aragorn nodded thoughtfully.

Gandalf chuckled at his friend.

"Are you laughing at me Gandalf?" Aragorn demanded.

"No my friend, I would not laugh at you. I am merely laughing at that hilariously funny couple on the dance floor. Oh you have missed them!"

Aragorn regarded the wizard who was still chuckling away, suspiciously, but he dismissed it with a wave of his hand. He turned to look at the room and his eyes sought out Arwen. She was laughing and dancing with a handsome elf. She kissed the elf on the lips lightly and Aragorn desperately wanted to be there, to feel her lips on his, to hold her. His eyes wandered her body; her dress clung to her showing off every curve. Her arms were slight and slender and her hands were dainty. Her skin was a pale complexion and a glow emitted from her. Her brown eyes sparkled with laughter and joy.

Arwen danced with the elf on the dance floor. He was good looking and strong and seemed to like her. She glanced over at the head table. Gandalf was laughing at Aragorn. Aragorn seemed to be confused but he ignored the wizard and looked out over the dance floor. His eyes caught hers for a fleeting moment before she was flung back into the dance by the elf. He called himself Unadrielad. He caught her in his arms and leant over and whispered in her ear.

"Want to get out of here?"

He grabbed her hand and she followed him to the door. They slipped out and walked through the gardens of Elrond. His arm was round her waist. He turned her and kissed her on the lips. She kissed him back. He was nice but why did she feel so funny about kissing him? She threw the thought from her mind and concentrated on the moment. He led her to a secluded area in a grove of trees. The air was still and silent; the outside world was cut off. He took her in his arms and kissed her again hard on the lips. She responded. He pulled her closer, reaching for her gown. This was going too far. She didn't like him that much. She pushed him away and turned to the opening. He grabbed her wrist and turned her hard. She yelped in pain.

"Get off me you creep!"

His hand encircled her mouth. She couldn't speak or scream. This elf was going to rape her.

"Now, now Arwen, you seemed eager enough on the dance floor. What's wrong with here? It's nice and secluded. We're all alone." His eyes held a manic glare. He advanced towards her. She closed her eyes and silent tears streamed down her face.

Aragorn watched as the elf whispered something in Arwen's ear. He saw her smile and follow him out the door. He stood up abruptly, knocking over a goblet of wine.

"Please excuse me Gandalf, I am weary. I think I will retire to my quarters. Thank Elrond for me."

He turned on his heel and strode out of the door. He walked out into the gardens, thinking maybe a walk would clear his head. The cool air felt wonderful after the heat of the Hall. Why had he fallen for that elf so bad? He had never had a serious relationship with anyone. None of the women who had loved him had liked him going off into the wild to train to be a Ranger and for many years he had had no contact with women. He had lived a solitary life only in the company of other Rangers, Gandalf and occasionally the elves of Rivendell. He pushed the thought from his head and wandered around and admired the flowers and the care and attention that had gone into the garden. He selected a path that led away from the house and followed it. He hoped it might lead to the lake. He loved to sit and think by the beauty of the clear water and the way the sun sparkled and danced on the surface of the water.

Suddenly a yelp filled the air. He recognised the voice. Arwen's. He ran down the path. As he ran past a clump of trees he caught a glimpse of movement. He stopped and peered through the dense trees. He saw a flash of silver dress. He knew that it belonged to Arwen. A green tunic blocked his view of her. The elf that she had left with had worn a green tunic. If she was with him then he could not bear to go further but she might be in danger. He knew better than to rush in yelling and brandishing a sword. He crept forward, becoming the shadows that surrounded the trees. Forward he moved. He reached the last ring of trees and took a breath. He peered out from the tree. Arwen was lying on the ground with her eyes closed. The elf was undoing her dress. She had her eyes closed but silent tears streamed down her face. One of the elf's hands covered her mouth. Moving silently but quickly Aragorn moved round to the back of the elf and slipped up be hind him. Silently he drew a dagger that was hidden under his cloak. Aragorn never went anywhere unarmed. He positioned it in front of the elf's throat.

The elf froze.

"Let the lady go and slowly turn around."

The elf dropped Arwen and she crawled away, doing up he dress. The elf turned to face him, his eyes holding a glint of anger. Aragorn held the dagger to his throat.

"You cannot hurt me, man. For I am an elf!"

Aragorn shook his head. Many men of Middle Earth knew nothing about the other races that lived with them. Many were scared of the elves and of the power they held.

"You know very little about me, elf! I know you can die if I stick this dagger through your heart. Many do not know this but unfortunately you picked a fight with the wrong man. I am a Ranger and I know a lot about the elves and many other creatures for that matter. Now you can fight me or you can come quietly and accompany me up to the house where we can have a little chat with Lord Elrond."

The elf spat at his feet. "You don't know Lord Elrond. Why would he believe a stupid unimportant Ranger like you?"

Aragorn rolled his eyes. "He would believe me as I know Elrond quite well, I rescued his daughter and Gandalf the Grey is a close personal friend of mine. Take your pick of reasons."

The elf dropped his defensive pose and put his hands over his head in submission. Aragorn turned to Arwen.

"If you would like to accompany me up to the Hall and we can speak to your father." Arwen brushed away the tears on her face, nodded and tossed her head at the elf.

With the dagger at his throat Aragorn followed the elf up to the Hall. There he took the elf by the arm and removed the dagger. He walked up to the guards and asked to speak to Lord Elrond privately.

"He is at the feast. He cannot come."

Aragorn sighed impatiently.

"This is a matter of urgency concerning his daughter. Please fetch him at once. Tell him Aragorn is wishing to speak to him. I will wait here."

One of the guards reluctantly went into the hall and appeared a minute later followed by Elrond and Gandalf.

"Aragorn, what is the matter?"

"May we speak in private?"

Elrond looked puzzled but led them to a room just off the corridor. He closed the door and turned to Aragorn once more.

"Now would you please explain what is going on? What does this elf have to do with it?"

Aragorn opened his mouth to speak but Arwen beat him to it.

"Father let me explain." She walked over to him and spoke in a rapid dash of Elvish. Her father nodded along. Aragorn spoke Elvish fluently but he could not understand this. He guessed it was high Elvish only know by the high families of Elves. He noticed that Gandalf understood. Arwen paused for a moment then carried on, more slowly this time. He watched Elrond's face. Suddenly it changed to anger and he stared at the elf. He stopped Arwen and moved towards the elf.

"What is your name?"

The elf mumbled something.

"Speak louder" Elrond barked.

"Unadrielad"

"Unadrielad eh? Well I will be having words with you later. Continue Arwen."

Arwen continued her story again. Aragorn listened to her lilting voice, wishing it were speaking to him. He shook himself from his daydream and focused on what was being said in the room. Arwen had stopped talking and Elrond was regarding the elf with a stare. The elf seemed to shrink and Elrond seemed to grow. Aragorn now understood why people called him the king of Elves. He opened the door and called a guard. He gave the guard some quick instructions to fetch two more men and take this man to a room where he would be watched. Minutes later 3 guards came into the room and took Unadrielad away. Elrond turned to his daughter.

"Arwen I suggest you return to your room. You need rest."

Arwen nodded and turned and headed to the door.

Elrond turned to Aragorn. "It seems I need to thank you for a second time. I am very grateful you rescued my daughter from that elf."

Aragorn nodded. "Thank you Elrond. Now I am tired. I will retire to my room."

He left the room and closed the door quietly behind him. He began to walk along the corridor. Arwen fell into step with him. He looked up surprised.

"I thought you had left for your room."

"I was going to but I wanted to thank you for a second time. Unadrielad was a selfish elf and he deserved what he got. And I wanted to thank you for the dance. I enjoyed it."

She reached up and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek, and then she turned and disappeared down the corridor to her own room. Aragorn touched his cheek and his heart was filled with happiness. She enjoyed the dance. Suddenly life was worth living for. He walked to his room with his heart high.

She walked away from Aragorn. She was very grateful that he had rescued her. That was twice in a one week. Galadriel would be dismayed. She had to learn to strengthen her power. She thought of Aragorn. She remembered dancing with him; everything had seemed right then. Did she like him? She could not say. Arwen slipped into her room and got changed for bed. She slid in between the sheets but did not fall asleep. She lay thinking about her time her in her father's home. Less then a week she had been here but she loved it. Although she missed the tranquillity of Lothlorien if she had to chose she would live with her father in Rivendell. His gardens were beautiful and of the few friends she had met so far she loved them with all her heart. But wait did that mean Aragorn? Yes it did. With this thought she drifted into sleep. The next morning Arwen woke to brilliant sunshine. She quickly dressed and went down for a quick meal. The hall was almost empty. She left for the gardens after a quick bite of lembas. She headed to the lake, hoping no one would be there. The place seemed deserted. She dropped her clothes to her undergarments and dived into the lake.

Aragorn had been sitting in the shade of the trees. He had melted into the shadows and was silent. Many people had passed but none had noticed him. He had looked up when Arwen had come to the lake. He stood up and made to go out and greet her but she began to undo her dress. He looked away, not wanting to invade her privacy. When he heard a splash of water he looked up. She was away swimming into the centre of the lake. He moved from the trees and walked out into the heat of the sun. Wearing black was not a good choice in this weather. He turned to leave and made his way up the hill. Before he reached the top he heard a voice call his name. He turned and there was Arwen treading water near the edge. He walked back down and stopped near the edge.

"Well are you coming in?"

He blinked. "Come in? I don't think so."

"So you're scared are you?"

"Scared? Certainly not."

"Well you'll come in then." she replied cheekily.

Come in? He hadn't counted on this. But he was no chicken. He removed his cloak and stripped down till he stood in his undergarments. Then he ran and dived into the water, soaking Arwen in the process. He surfaced.

"Scared am I?"

Arwen laughed and swan away into the middle of the lake. She had watched as he had removed his shirt. He had a broad chest, full of muscles after his years of being a Ranger. She had seen the muscles on his arms and she had seen how strong his shoulders were. He streaked past her and bobbed up.

"Beat you!" he smiled at her, his eyes lighting up with laughter.

"That's not fair. You never told me it was a race."

"You never asked and anyway you started the race. You swam away first!"

"Fine then! I will race you to the shore."

"Ah but what do you get if you win?"

She thought for a moment. "I don't know." she finally said. "I will think of that later. Okay on your marks get set GO!"

She burst away, slowly building up speed. He tore after her. He swam well and his strength helped him. He caught up with her and slowly pulled away. As strong as she was she could not keep the pace he set. He finished a good few metres ahead of her. He stood up and waited for her, his hair slicked back. He wasn't even out of breath. She swam up.

"Well done. You swim very well. You are very strong."

He shrugged, his face turning a pale shade of pink. Years of sword fighting had built up his arms and upper body.

"Now for my prize. What would I like?"

Arwen saw a glint in his eye. In a flash he picked her up and tossed her in the air. She flew through the air screaming. She crashed into the water in a shower of spray. She resurfaced gasping for breath. Aragorn was doubled up with laughter. He was having trouble breathing. With his strength he had tossed her at least 5 metres. She swam back to him.

"What was that for?" she demanded, with water streaming down her face.

She had a piece of weed in her hair. Aragorn couldn't speak. He gasped for breath. She looked so funny. She stood with her hands on her hips demanding an answer but this only made Aragorn laugh even more. The sight of an elf standing with water running from her nose and with weed in her hair looking furious was just too good to miss. Eventually he managed to get his breath back. He reached over a removed the weed from her hair.

"That was my prize."

She thought for a moment then turned away. Aragorn moved towards her thinking he may have hurt her but before he could reach her she spun round and soaked him with a spray of water. He ducked under the water to escape the spray. He swam forward and grabbed her legs and pulled her under. She screamed and fell under the surface.

He swam away. She took chase. Suddenly an idea hit her. She stopped and stood in the water. She concentrated on the power building up in her. She gave the water a little shove. A small wave built up and chased after Aragorn. He looked behind him and his eyes widened in surprise. He couldn't out swim it, so he stood and waited for the water to crash down on him. The force could not hurt him but it would make him pay. Arwen laughed as the wave descended on Aragorn. The wave splashed on him and moments later he resurfaced totally drenched. He swam over to her.

"So we are even now okay?"

He held out his hand. Cautiously she took his hand and shook it.

"Okay."

Aragorn looked at the sun and heaved himself out of the water. "I must dash. I have to attend a meeting with Gandalf. Will I see you at dinner?"

She nodded and drifted out into the lake on her back. Before he left Aragorn flicked a spray of water at her. He ran away laughing as he heard her scream as the cool water hit her stomach.

Arwen didn't see Aragorn next till dinner. She entered the Hall in a pale blue gown that she had found in her wardrobe. Heads turned as she entered. Most turned back to their dinner but she felt a pair on her as she walked towards the Head Table. She looked up and found they belonged to Aragorn. He kept her gaze as she sat in her seat. She smiled at her father but her gaze wandered towards Aragorn. Elrond did not notice and after nodding at Arwen he carried on his conversation with an elf across with him. She gave one last glance at Aragorn and then turned to talk to Gandalf.

Aragorn had looked up as she entered the Hall and he was mesmerised by her. She looked up and found his eyes. She kept his gaze as she sat and nodded to her father. With a last glance at him she turned to Gandalf. He turned back to the elf he had been talking to and apologised for the lack of his concentration. But he could not concentrate all night. His head was full of Arwen. As he ate his meal, in his mind he went over every time they had spoken to each other. Over and over in his head he played the memory of when she had kissed him lightly on the cheek. He felt a glimmer of hope but deep down in his heart he knew that it was only a kiss of friendship. Would she ever want more than that? He glanced over at her and found she was staring at him. He smiled at her and felt a warmth in his chest when she smiled back and waved at him.

Gandalf had watched the pair with interest. He knew that Aragorn had fallen deeply for Elrond's daughter. He was hopeless at that sort of thing. He knew nothing of the hundreds of women that had watched him leave with a pain in their hearts. He was very well sought after but he had no clue. Men both loathed and loved him. Their love was because he was a saviour and a great warrior. He was also their king though they did not know this, only Elrond and Gandalf knew this. If the people had known this he would have even more love. But many loathed him for their wives had long lusted after the dark, mysterious stranger that came in and out of their lives in a flash. He knew of many a marriage that had gone sour because of the lonely Ranger. He laughed silently to himself. He also knew that line of both men and elves that wished for Arwen's love drew long. Yet neither had found who they were searching for and again neither knew that they were searching for the one but Gandalf saw in their eyes that both were looking for love. In Aragorn's eyes all he saw was loneliness, for he had never loved anyone before, and in Arwen's eyes he saw all the pain from relationships that had gone wrong but he also all the love she wished to share with someone. He shook his head and turned back to his meal.

After the meal had ended the elves filtered out of the Hall and either out into the gardens or back to their rooms. The sun still shone bravely on the grass as if it was trying to out do the moon. Arwen walked out into the middle of the lawn and sat down. She tipped her head back and soaked up the sun. She sat like this for some time. At last she looked forward and watched some elves nearby as they admired the flowers. She opened her mouth and began to sing a song in the Elven tongue, her clear voice carrying off in the breeze. Aragorn had left the Hall with Gandalf but he had retired to his room and Aragorn had wanted to get some fresh air. He stepped out into the fading sunshine and looked around. His ears caught a lilting voice singing. He headed towards the voice. He cleared a group of trees and found that it was Arwen who was singing. He walked up beside her and sat down at her side. She stopped and smiled at him.

"Please don't stop. You have a lovely voice. Carry on."

Arwen blushed. "Thank you for the praise but I do not like to sing in front of others."

Aragorn smiled gently and said, "Arwen the whole gardens could hear you."

She looked shocked. "Really?" Her cheeks flamed.

He laughed and nodded. "But I am sure they didn't mind. Would you like to go for a walk?"

She smiled and nodded at him. He loved it when she looked at you. You felt like you were the only person in the world. They walked along in silence for a few minutes.

"You look beautiful tonight Arwen."

She blushed at his praise. "Thank you. This was the only thing left in my wardrobe. I shall have to send for the rest of my clothes. I have left them at Lothlorien."

"You look beautiful whatever you wear." Aragorn had stopped and was looking right into Arwen's eyes. They were the most beautiful shade of brown he had ever seen. Her hair caught the last light of the fading sun, making it look like gold. He moved towards her and raised her chin with his hand. He lowered his head and softly touched her lips. They tasted sweet like honey. He raised his head and looked back on her face. Her eyes were closed. He kissed her again. For longer this time. He wrapped his arms round her waist, pulling her right to him. She encircled his neck with her arms, locking them together. His tongue urged her mouth open and she obliged. His tongue explored her mouth. She ran her hands through his hair. His hands held her at the small of her back. Arwen was glad his hands were there. She felt if he let go she would fall backwards from the power of his kiss. At last Aragorn pulled away. He looked into her, not sure of what he was going to see there. She smiled at him and her eyes were full of love. Never before had he felt this way. He kissed her gently on the mouth. He was about to pull back when she pulled him into her and kissed him back. For the second time he was lost in her. He could smell her hair; he felt her touch and he tasted her lips. He lost himself in her beauty. After what seemed like hours they broke apart. Arwen rested her head upon his chest, glad of its strength. Aragorn bent down and whispered in her ear.

"We have to be getting back. The night is coming and though its beauty is lovely I want you to be safe inside."

Arwen looked at him. "As long as I am in Rivendell I will always be safe."

"Times are changing Arwen. Although Rivendell is one of the safest places to be, it may not be as safe as everyone thinks."

"Why do you say this? Do you wish to upset me?"

"Never would I want to upset you. I just want you to be safe. I could not bear the thought of not having you around Arwen. You have captured my heart and with every second I m falling deeper and deeper in love with you. Whenever my heart quails you catch it with a smile or shake of your head. I do not know if you love me with the same amount of love but all I want is for you to be safe. Please can we return indoors?"

Arwen listened to him as he spoke, loving the sound of his soft voice. He loved her and she loved him. Never had she fallen for anyone so hard. She looked into his brown eyes staring out at her, full of pain and behind that love. She reached up and kissed him softly on his lips.

"Aragorn, I have never loved anyone as much as I love you now. For you I will return indoors for if what you say is true then I can only fear the worst for everyone, elves included." Aragorn took her hand and led her back to her room. He kissed her goodnight. She opened her door but before she went in she turned back to him.

"Aragorn..." she began. "I was wondering if we could keep our love under wraps for the moment. I know my father holds you highly in regard but I also know he wants me to fall for an elf. I know he has some elves he wants me to meet, but I could never love anyone of them as much as I love you. I need to get round him first. Do you mind?"

"I will do anything to please you." He kissed her lightly and then turned and disappeared back down the hall to his room.

Arwen went into her room and found her servant and good friend Lomodia waiting for her. She stopped short knowing she had heard everything.

"Lomodia what are you doing here?"

Lomodia said, "I was worried about you. You had no returned so I decided to wait in your room until you returned. I am sorry. Please forgive me."

"Of course I forgive you for you are my best friend but Lomodia did you hear everything that Aragorn said to me and I said to him?"

Lomodia nodded. "Do you think it is wise to go against your father?"

Arwen sat on the bed and took her friend's hand. "I love him so much. I could not bear living without him."

"But he is a mere man and you have known him for only a week."

"That is true but I know he is the one for me. Please do not say anything to my father. He would not understand."

"You know I would never do that. But I just want to make sure you don't get hurt."

Arwen kissed her lightly on the cheek. "He would never hurt me. I am going to bed now. I will see you tomorrow. Goodnight Lomodia."

The next morning Aragorn woke early. He lay in his bed for a while and turned things over in his head. His thoughts dwelled on Arwen mostly and how much he loved her and cared for her. She returned his love and he felt the world could not get any better. But he still had to convince Elrond of this. She was all he ever wanted. He would protect her until he died if he had to. There was a knock on his door.

"Come in."

An elf opened the door and looked round.

"Aragorn, Gandalf wishes to speak with you immediately."

5 minutes later Aragorn was striding down the hall to meet Gandalf in the library. He walked into the room and found Gandalf and Elrond deep in conversation. They looked up as he entered.

"Ah, Aragorn good. Please come and take a seat."

Aragorn walked over to the table and sat down beside Gandalf. He was disturbed by the grim tone Gandalf was using.

"Aragorn there are grave matters that have come to our attention. Sources of ours have reported that there is movement in the South. Sauron has reclaimed Mordor. He has been residing in there for some time. He has slipped past us and regained control of all of his servants and many new ones."

Aragorn sat with a shocked look on his face. "But Sauron would never move back to Mordor unless...has there been a sighting of the Ring? Has someone found it? Is there a rumour?"

"I am afraid that it is true. Sauron would not move back into Mordor for no reason. We believe that there is a rumour. Dark forces are at work and time is against us. We must seek the one who last resided with it. You know of whom I speak."

"Gollum actually has the Ring? I thought it was never proved. You mean he has had it all these long years and no one stopped him? He could have already crossed over to Sauron's side!"

"That may be true Aragorn but I believe otherwise. Gollum hates Sauron and he will not want Sauron to take the Ring back. He loves and hates the Ring. That is why Aragorn I am asking you if you wish to join me on a hunt for Gollum before the enemy take him."

"Of course I will come with you Gandalf, you know that."

"I did think you would come but things have changed."

Aragorn looked at him sharply then bowed his head. Elrond looked quickly between them, a wave of confusion passing over his face. He spoke,

"Then Gandalf the Grey and Aragorn son of Arathorn shall journey to find the creature Gollum. You may leave as soon as possible and I will make sure you have provisions and suitable horses. This situation will not pass these walls until the time when it shall be made public to those who should know."

Aragorn and Gandalf stood and bowed to him before exiting the room. Outside Aragorn looked at the wizard.

"Gandalf what do you mean by 'things have changed'?"

"Aragorn I have seen the way yourself and Arwen look at each other. You cannot hide it for much longer. I also know you did not return to your room until very late last night for I myself came looking for you quite a few hours after we had parted that evening. I also know you do not spend that much time out side, though you do spend many an hour thinking by the lake. Do not underestimate me Aragorn for you know I am wise."

With that Gandalf walked down the hall with a smile on his face while Aragorn stood pondering what the wizard had said.

A few hours later and Aragorn was by the lake thinking. He had to tell Arwen that he was leaving but this would be hard. No sooner than he had proclaimed his love for her he had to leave her. He hated himself for it but it had to be done. He could not give her a reason for going. This had to be kept secret.

At that moment Arwen walked down to the lake. She had been looking for Aragorn for a while and this was the last place she was looking. She scanned round but even with her elf eyes she failed to notice Aragorn sitting in the shade of the trees deep in thought. It was only by chance that he looked up and saw her leaving. Standing, he called to her. She turned to him and a smile lit up her face. She crossed over to him.

"I've been looking for you everywhere. Where have you been? You were not at lunch. Even Gandalf did not know where you had hidden yourself. I myself could not see you. You hide yourself very well."

He smiled at her. "That is the nature of a Ranger, to stay hidden until he wants to be seen. I did not feel hungry at lunch so I passed the meal. I have had much thinking to do. Please do not take it personally. I have no wish to avoid you. In fact I was just coming to find you. I need to talk to you."

"That I just what I want to hear!" Arwen laughed but stopped when she saw this was no laughing matter.

"Aragorn, what is the matter? What's on your mind?"

He sighed and sat down on a log.

She sat beside him.

"I hate to tell you this but I must leave Rivendell very soon, at the end of the week I fear."

"What? Why? You can't leave!"

"I'm afraid I cannot tell you the reason. I do not wish to leave but deep in my heart I know I have to. Time is against us and I must fly."

"The end of the week? That is far too soon. I thought you loved me Aragorn but that is not so. You take my heart and then leave. Is this the way you treat all women?"

"Arwen no! I would never hurt you intentionally. I must leave for the best. Please Arwen understand me."

"No. Why did I think I could trust you? Men are never to be trusted. You deceived me Aragorn. That I will never forget. Why did I think I could love you? I hate you Aragorn!"

She turned and ran from him. Aragorn called to her but she did not stop. He put his head in his hands. He had seen the tears in her eyes. He sat there for many hours. The sun had been down for a while and the moon was beginning to peek out when at last Gandalf found him down by the lake. His face was drawn as if he had just faced a great peril and he had lost. Aragorn did not hear the wizard approach until he was standing right in front of him.

"Well Gandalf you were wrong. Arwen and I are no longer together. She did not like the fact that I was leaving. I am afraid I have blown my chances with her."

"My dear friend I am sure that you have not blown everything with her. If you would like I will go and talk to her. Maybe she will accept my counsel."

"Thank you Gandalf that would do me a lot of favours. I have enough to worry about at the moment. I do not wish her to add to my list. I feel I could just not cope."

Gandalf stood and offered his hand to Aragorn.

"Then will you not accompany me back to the house and get some rest. I will speak with Arwen in the morning. You will need all the strength you can get for I fear the journey will be long and tiresome and in the end in my heart of hearts I fear we will not find what we seek for."

Arwen had run back to the house holding in her tears, but when she had reached the sanctuary of her room she had let rip. Lomodia had heard the noise and had come to comfort her. Arwen had sobbed out her story and Lomodia had just comforted her, rocking her back and forth. When Arwen had cried herself to sleep Lomodia left her and went in search of Aragorn. Fortunately for Aragorn, Gandalf was outside his door, just leaving. Lomodia stormed up to him.

"Step aside please sir. I wish to speak with Aragorn." Gandalf smiled, amused at her antics.

"My dear lady I fear I know what this is about. Please if you let me explain." He took her arm and led her to an unused room. He sat her in a chair and began to explain.

"None of this is Aragorn's fault. You may not know but Aragorn is a Ranger. I have asked him to come on a journey with me because I need some of his skills. It is true he could have declined this offer and stayed her with Arwen as she would have wanted him to but sadly due to circumstances outside his control he has chosen to come with me. I cannot explain this further and I hope you will calm down. I wish to talk with Arwen tomorrow. Maybe I can explain the situation to her better after she has calmed down. Please leave Aragorn in peace. He meant no harm to Arwen and it has disturbed him greatly that she now loathes him. He needs rest for we are leaving tomorrow evening. He is under a great deal of pressure at the moment and this does not help him. More than anyone except Elrond and myself knows. Sadly I cannot explain this any further either. I just hope you listen to my words and take heed by them."

Lomodia sat for a moment and then nodded.

"Very well sir if you wish me to I will leave him alone. But I cannot speak for Arwen. She may wish to talk to him."

"That is why I wish to talk with her first. Could you send her to me after breakfast tomorrow?"

Lomodia nodded and left the room. Gandalf sank down; glad the ordeal was over. Then he to left to get some rest before tomorrow.

The next morning Arwen woke with a start. She had dreamt that Aragorn had left her to go on some journey but the journey had failed and he had been killed by orcs. Suddenly she remembered that part of the dream was true. Aragorn was going away. Her heart was filled with sadness. What if the dream was a vision and that was going to happen. Then she remembered the way she had left things with Aragorn. She had turned and left him. She remembered the last look she had given him before she had come to her room. His eyes were full of sadness. He had called out to her but she had not listened. She both loved and loathed him. Why was he leaving her so soon? He couldn't do this to her. She loved him so much she couldn't bear to live without him, without his strong arms encircling her into a hug, the feel of his lips on hers, without never looking into his eyes filled with so much love for her again, without the way he looked at her when she crossed the room, the way he made her feel like she was the only person in the world that he loved. She sank back onto her pillows and tears came to her eyes. There was a knock at the door. Brushing away the tears she called out,

"Yes?"

Lomodia's head appeared round the door.

"So you are awake. How are you feeling this morning? Gandalf left a message last night when you were asleep. Could you go and meet him in the library after you have eaten?"

Arwen nodded.

"Yes I am feeling much better this morning and I will go meet Gandalf after breakfast."

She changed quickly and went down to the hall for some food, hoping she wouldn't run into Aragorn. She entered the hall and looked towards the high table. There was no one there. She scanned the rest of the hall and saw Aragorn talking to some elves. He glanced up and caught her gaze. She swiftly turned her head and walked up to the table and sat down. She felt his eyes follow her. Fighting the urge to look over at him she quickly ate some cereal and drank some water and then left. As she passed through the door she quickly looked over at him. Immediately she wished she hadn't. He gave her one last stare; his eyes filled with sadness and lost love. She ran down the hall brushing away the tears that filled her eyes. She came to the door of the library and quickly let herself in.

Aragorn had had a restless night. He had tossed and turned and after many hours had fallen into a dreamless sleep. He had felt her as soon as she had walked into the room. He had looked over and caught her gaze but she had brushed it away. He had watched her as she had wolfed down some breakfast and then left quickly. She had looked over at him one last time and he knew he had hit something. As she turned he caught the shine of unshed tears. His knees had turned to jelly when she walked through the door. Why did she have such an effect on him? Sighing he turned back to the elves he had been talking to.

Arwen had dashed into the library and found Gandalf sitting at a table, an old book sitting open in front of him. He looked up as she entered.

"Arwen what is the matter? Why are you crying?"

"Gandalf do not play the fool with me. You know why I am crying and you know what the matter is. Although Lomodia did not say I know you know. So what did you want to talk to me about?"

"It seems I can no longer fool you. Please take a seat and let me talk."

*

3 hours later Arwen emerged from the library. She and Gandalf had talked for many hours and Arwen understood things better now. She would have to find Aragorn now and talk to him. She went off in search of him. She looked in his room and out in the grounds but he was not there. She went down to the lake and searched in the trees but she could still not find him. The truth be told Aragorn had been down by the lake but when he had seen Arwen come down he had slipped away silently and unnoticed. He went to the stables to check on Brego. He nickered softly when he smelt his master. Aragorn went over to him. Stroking his magnificent head he whispered softly in the horse's ear. He told him of the journey and that he was to be riding with Shadowfax, Gandalf's horse and Brego's father. The horse whinnied in pleasure the mention of Shadowfax's name. Aragorn opened the stable and led Brego out into the open. There he mounted him and walked him out of Rivendell and into the great fields about Rivendell. There he let Brego loose. He clung to the horse with no saddle or bridle and let the horse race himself. He bolted through the fields like a shooting star. The horse pranced and jumped about. He let himself go and Aragorn laughed at his antics. He slipped off the animal's back and let him loose. He knew the horse would not stray. He sat and watched him canter about the field while he himself sat deep in thought. He thought of nothing but the journey he was going on. He did not allow himself to think of Arwen. At last he stood up and called the horse. He came running over not in the least bit tired out. Aragorn led him back to the stables and rubbed him down. He put him back in the stable and gave him strict instructions to rest before the evening.

Then Aragorn returned back to his room to back a small bag of essentials he would need. The evening drew near and he left his room and walked down to the courtyard to find Brego and Shadowfax deep in discussion, not letting anyone handle them. They stood gleaming, Shadowfax like silver and Brego like gold, under the last rays of the sun. He walked up to the horse and stroked his head. The horse nuzzled his neck lovingly. He slipped the saddle onto the horse for unlike Gandalf he liked to have a saddle to hold him and his spare knife. Brego did not mind the saddle but only if Aragorn put it on, he knew the way he liked to have it on his broad back. He waited for Gandalf and Elrond to appear. Elrond came first and the two talked for a while. A small crowd had appeared to see the two travellers off for they were much liked by the elves in Rivendell. They came often and had made many friends here. Gandalf came striding down the path and went straight to Shadowfax who was getting edgy. He calmed the horse and then looked round the crowd as if expecting to see someone. He did not find who he was looking for and he sighed. Then he walked over to Elrond and Aragorn.

"Well are you all ready? You should travel mostly by the cover of night if you can for Gollum hates the sun but then again he also hates the moon so dusk and dawn are good times to hunt for him."

"Thank you Elrond. We will search for a year at the most. That should give us time to search all Middle-Earth but if we do not find him in a year then I fear we may have lost him to the enemy for they will also be looking for him. They will want to find and torture him. Sauron will do anything to find the Ring."

"Travel well and may the power of the elves go with you."

Gandalf thanked him again and then swung himself onto Shadowfax. The horse reared and neighed loudly. Aragorn made to mount Brego but before he did a voice called out to him.

"Aragorn."

He turned slowly and there stood Arwen. She was clothed all in white and stood shining like a star. He looked into her eyes and found happiness and love there. She moved towards him and then broke out into a run. She flung her arms around his neck. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into him. She felt a surge of relief wash over her as she reached his arms. This is where she belonged. She whispered in his ear,

"I'm so sorry I ran from you. Please forgive me. I love you with all my heart. I have heard a different story from Gandalf. I now understand why you must go. I was stupid to run from you like that. This is where I belong, in your arms."

Aragorn pulled back and cupped her face in his hands. He looked right into her eyes and spoke softly to her, so no one else would hear.

"Arwen, I never stopped loving you. I don't need to forgive you; you had the right to walk away from me. I can't bear to part with you but I know deep inside my heart I must. I dreaded telling you this for I thought you might hate me. Or if I went away you would find someone else to love. That is my worst fear, not being able to love you."

Arwen felt the tears welling up in her eyes. They spilled over and fell down her face. Aragorn wiped them gently from her cheeks as they fell.

"I could never find someone else I love as much as I love you. That will never happen I promise you that."

He leant forward and kissed her passionately on the lips. She kissed him back and wound her arms back around his neck. He let go of her face and captured her by the waist. Slowly Aragorn pulled away. He was a centimetre from her lips when he whispered

"I have to go but I will come back for you. That I promise you." He kissed her softly on the lips.

"How long will you be gone for?"

Tears were still falling down her face.

"A year at the most. I know it seems long but I will be back, maybe even before that."

He gave her one last kiss then turned and mounted his horse. He cried aloud and Brego reared and moved away. He turned and gave her one last look before he cantered off into the forest, leaving her standing there with tears streaming down her face. She stood there for many minutes until at last she turned and passed through the crowd. She ran to her room and sat on the bed. This was how Lomodia found her hours later. Arwen looked up as she entered.

"Arwen, your father wants to see you now. He has waited for many hours but he cannot wait any longer. Please come with me."

Arwen shook her head. "I cannot face him just yet. Please just give me a little more time. I will see him in the morning. Please Lomodia." She begged her friend.

Lomodia left and returned a few minutes later.

"Your father was not happy but he agreed to see you in the morning, but you cannot put it off any longer that that."

Arwen thanked her friend then begged her to let her be on her own for the night. Lomodia did not like it but she respected her wishes and left. Arwen burst into tears. The man she loved was gone and she had to face the future alone. She did not like the thought of facing her father the next morning. She wished Aragorn were here to comfort her, rock her to sleep with her cradled in his strong arms. It was very late when at last she fell asleep.

When the morning sun woke her she felt tired and drowsy. She got changed slowly and headed straight for her father's room. She did not feel like breakfast. She knocked knowing her father would be up however early it was.

"Come in."

She cracked open the door and saw Elrond at there at his desk, his face creased with worry and anger. He looked up and she pushed the door open fully and stepped inside the room.

"Arwen. I'm glad you have come. We have much to talk about. Debar!" as he spoke an elf appeared through the door.

"Debar make sure we are not disturbed until I say so. Is that clear?"

The elf nodded and left.

"Arwen please take a seat."

She sat opposite him but did not look him in the eye. "Arwen I am having trouble believing what I saw yesterday. Could you explain things to me? Like when you and that man got together."

She looked up, her face flushed with anger. "He is called Aragorn and you know it. Please call him by his name. You liked him father. He saved me twice and you were grateful. I know you want me to be with a high elf but I would not love them. He is the only one for me. Do you not want me to be happy?"

Elrond struggled to keep control of his feelings. His voice was cold when he spoke. "Arwen I do wish for you to be happy but why are you with the...Aragorn? When did you find your love for him for I know you did not just love him when he left?"

"It was after the incident with Unadrielad, when we had that feast. I went for a walk and I met him and things went from there. What is your problem with him? He is a fine man, worthy of your approval! You are being stupid! What is wrong with me falling in love with Aragorn?" Arwen yelled at her father's face.

Elrond's eyes darkened. "I am your father. I have some control over what you do in your life. And I do not permit your love to Aragorn."

Arwen's eyes filled with tears. "I can do what I want with my life and my heart. I wish I had never come to Rivendell." She turned on her heel and stormed out of the room. Her father spoke commandingly to her retreating back.

"Arwen, come back here!"

But she ignored him.

She went down to the lake and sat by the water. The stillness calmed her. She decided to talk to her father again but this time she would keep her temper. She took a deep breath and stood up. She looked in the water and saw her father's reflection standing behind her. Arwen sat down heavily on the grass and her father joined her. Elrond picked up a few loose pebbles and began to toss them into the water. Arwen waited for her father to speak. A few minutes of silence passed.

At last Elrond spoke. "Arwen, do you really love this man?"

Arwen looked up. "Yes father I really do and I know he loves me back."

Elrond sighed. "Arwen, I can't make you do anything. I can't stop you loving him. In my heart I still do not believe this will work but I will give my consent for the relationship to go ahead."

Elrond looked at his daughter and saw tears were welling up in her eyes.

"Thank you father." She hugged him. "I now have the long wait until Gandalf and Aragorn return. A year seems such a long time."

The year did indeed pass slowly for Arwen but when spring drew close once again Arwen began to listen out for rumours of the pair's return. Eventually after 3 weeks or so of waiting a streak of silver had been spotted heading this way. At the pace it was going it would arrive very soon. Arwen's heart lifted. Gandalf! But where was the streak of gold that should be Aragorn? Were there two riders? She asked the elf but he did not know. Arwen went down to the courtyard to join the growing crowd waiting for Gandalf's return. Aragorn might be returning in a few days. Gandalf would sort everything out.

Presently Gandalf rode in, sitting proudly on Shadowfax's back. Arwen knew Aragorn was not there but still she looked for him with his black cloak and gentle smile. He did not come. Gandalf had dismounted and was crossing over to Elrond. Arwen ran after him.

"Elrond I must speak with you."

Arwen arrived and tugged Gandalf on the sleeve.

"Gandalf where is Aragorn?"

"That is what I wish to talk about. Arwen you had better come with us."

He strode of following Elrond down the corridor. Arwen stood for a moment, worry filling her mind. She glanced back at the courtyard hoping to see Aragorn gallop in on Brego but he did not appear. She hurried after Gandalf and Elrond. They were all ready seated when she entered. She sat quickly and turned to Gandalf who began to speak.

"The journey started off well enough. We had been searching for about 4 months when a rumour from the south came. We made our way to Gondor quickly and carried on out search but nothing came up. I decided to go to Saruman to see if he could help and assist our plight. Aragorn decided to carry on the search alone for a few days. I spent a week with Saruman. He knew nothing and didn't seem interested. He held me back, finding excuses to keep me in Isenguard. This puzzled me a bit but I put it out of my mind. Eventually I returned to Gondor to find Aragorn and carry on the search together. But when I arrived I was told that Aragorn had left to hunt some days ago and had not returned. He had left no word of where he was going. I was puzzled but I set Shadowfax to hunt for Brego knowing he would find him. I presumed Aragorn would be with his horse whom he loved so dearly. Shadowfax found Brego wandering the plains of Rohan but Aragorn was not with him. Brego was injured so I took him to be cared for in Rohan. I went back out looking for Aragorn but I have heard no word from anywhere. Brego remains in Rohan and I came back here when our year was up. I kept up the hunt for Gollum as well but he also has disappeared. That is all I know. Have you heard anything from Aragorn?"

Elrond shook his head sadly. Gandalf sighed then he turned to Arwen. Her eyes held no emotion and her mouth was set in a grim line. She stood and nodded to Gandalf.

"Thank you for the news. If you will excuse me now."

She turned to the door and left. Elrond turned back to Gandalf.

"How long since you left him?"

Gandalf's brow creased in thought. "Let's see it will be coming up to 4 or 5 months. I fear he is dead. But for now I must rest as I am weary from my travels."

He left Elrond sitting at his desk in thought.

Arwen had left the room and had walked out into the grounds. She headed (as always) for the lake. She always went there no matter what. The day was over cast and the clouds threatened rain. The water was murky. Arwen brought her knees up to her chin and hugged them. Questions and thoughts swept round her brain. Missing? Dead? How? She couldn't imagine him dead. He was so strong and powerful. What could possibly take his life? No one orc could. Had they overwhelmed him? She couldn't bear to think of his body lying somewhere out there hewn to pieces by orc swords. What if no one found him? He would lie there for eternity and no one would know who he was. He had just been a Ranger. Although people were thankful they were around no one thought of them as important. No one knew their identity; most didn't even know their names. They just helped and disappeared. She would never see him again. That thought hit home and the tears came. Arwen thought she had been beyond tears but here they were streaming down her face like rivers. She lay curled up in a ball until all her tears were gone. She had completely exhausted herself and this was how Gandalf found her many hours later. He picked her up in his arms and bore her away to her room to rest.

Arwen woke late the next morning. She did not move from her bed. Lomodia came in around noon with a try of food for her but Arwen only picked listlessly at it. Lomodia sat down beside her on the bed. She was worried for her friend. At length Lomodia spoke to her.

"Arwen? How are you feeling today? You have to eat something. Please just take a little bread and a sip of water."

But Arwen just turned her back on her friend and shut her eyes. Lomodia looked at her friend for a moment with worry in her eyes. She turned and left the room. As she was hurrying down the hall she bumped into Gandalf.

"Ah Lomodia how is Arwen this morning? Is she up yet?"

"Oh Gandalf she won't get out of bed or eat or drink. I am worried about her Gandalf. Is there anything you can do?"

Gandalf thought for a moment. "I will go and talk to her. She must be in a terrible state. Leave her to me. I will see what I can do."

He strode off down the corridor to Arwen's room. He knocked on the door but there was no reply. He opened the door a crack and called in.

"Arwen? Are you here?"

He opened the door fully and looked round. The room was empty. He walked over to the window to see if she had gone outside. The window overlooked the entrance to Rivendell and the fields surrounding it. He scanned them, his mind preoccupied, but he saw nothing.

The journey had been going as well as could be expected. They had headed down to Gondor and had been searching there for a while, a month or two at the most. Gandalf had decided to go and see Saruman but Aragorn had stayed to carry on the search. He had gone out hunting one morning. He had left early and travelled to a forest near the great Fangorn forest. It had been near the end of the day, the light was fading, and he was weary and tired, his back was aching from stooping over all day and he had had no luck. He had led Brego out of the forest and was about to begin the journey home when they had been attacked by a group of orcs. They had driven Brego off, injuring him in the process and had turned on Aragorn. He wasn't sure how many, maybe 50 or 100. He had been fighting them for a few minutes and had killed a great many when one had attacked him from behind. He had turned just in time to ward off a fatal blow to his heart. But just then another orc cracked his sword hilt on Aragorn's head. He had fallen to the ground in a daze, waiting for the final blow when he had heard distant cries. The orcs had run. But many aimed a last blow at him as they ran. He had received a gash on his right arm, just missing the muscle and another deep cut in his leg. He had not felt this; he was drifting in and out of consciousness. The last thing he heard was the cry of a horse on the wind.

Aragorn woke to find himself in a warm bed. He opened his eyes but shut them immediately. The light blinded him. Slowly, one at time, he reopened them and looked round him. He was lying in a white room in a white bed and he was wearing white clothes. The sun was shining through a small window in front of him. The room was small and the only other furniture it held was a small chair and another small table standing beside the bed. Was this what being dead was like? He felt his head and corrected himself. If he was dead his head wouldn't hurt like a herd of Rohan's heaviest horses had just run over it. Twice. He looked round the room and saw his clothes were hanging over the small table.

He pushed himself to the side of the bed and almost cried out in pain. He had leant heavily on his right arm. He looked down at it and saw it was wrapped in a white cloth. He saw traces of blood leaking through it. He felt his head and found it was also clad in the same cloth. He checked himself over and found the only other serious injury was a deep cut to his leg. Other than lots of little nicks and cuts on his arm he was fine. He swung his legs over one side of the bed and gingerly put his weight on them. His left leg, the one with the gash, was sore but he found that if he limped he could walk fine. He stood up and walked over to the window and looked out, but he couldn't see anything. The sun was blinding him. He limped back over to the bed and sat down. On the table beside him was sat a tray of food. There was some bread, cheese and some fresh meat. There was also a glass of water. Hungrily he ate the small meal.

He had just finished the glass of water when the door opened and in walked a young man. An older woman followed him. Aragorn looked up. The man spoke.

"So you are awake. How are you feeling?"

"Fine apart from my head which is killing me. Who are you? Where am I? How long have I been asleep?"

The man walked over to him and examined his head. He spoke to the woman in some foreign tongue. She left the room. The man turned to Aragorn and began to speak in Common Speech.

"My name is Andura. You are deep in the woods near Fangorn. You will not have heard of my people. We have led a secret life and wish to keep doing so. You have been out for 2 weeks at the most. Will you now tell me your name, where you are from and what you were doing in my land?"

Aragorn studied the man for a minute. He looked into his eyes and saw only truth.

"My name you say? I have many. My proper name is Aragorn. I cannot speak of the quest I was on. I am from no land in particular. I come and go wherever my path takes me." Andura's face held no expression. At length he spoke to Aragorn.

"You cannot tell me of your quest. Then tell me whom do you serve?"

"I serve no man."

Andura's face turned cold.

"Just who do you think you are? You serve no man. You are on a journey that you can speak none of. You have many names. I don't believe I can trust you. Did you travel with anyone or do you travel alone?"

Aragorn's eyes hardened. "I travelled with the wizard Gandalf the Grey but he went to seek counsel with Saruman. I am thankful that your men rescued me from the orcs. My day had been hard and wearisome and without your help I would not be sitting here talking to you. I will leave now so I now longer have to be a burden to you."

Aragorn stood with some difficulty and walked over to the chair. He grabbed his clothes and looked at Andura.

"If I may have some privacy to change."

Andura looked at him and laughed.

"You will never survive at your present state. You will be dead before you reach the daylight. Sit back down. See, here comes the healer with medicine for your head. I wish to talk to you a little longer. Please sit."

Warily Aragorn dropped his clothes and sat down. The woman handed him some medicine and he took it, never taking his eyes of Andura. Andura sat down and watched him also. Then he turned and spoke again in his native tongue. She bowed to him and left the pair. They sat there for a few minutes in silence.

At last Aragorn spoke. "You say I will never reach the daylight. What do you mean? Surely I could step outside my room and be bathed in the sun without being killed. Or is the room enchanted so I can never leave without your knowing?"

"The reason we have lived in secret so long is that we are hidden from sight. Yes you might say this place is enchanted for we live under the ground. The light you see is not the sun though it does look like it and I take your words as praise. We live deep under the forest, which you were looking through. We had been watching you for most of the day for no being can pass here without us knowing. Usually we leave them in peace to wander unless they damage out forest. But we also knew of a troop of orcs heading your way. I set men out to watch over you for we detest orcs and they like ways. They do not know of us and speak of us as the phantoms in the wood. Usually they stay well clear but they were bold today. They fell trees for no reason and these trees are our friends. You had been doing nothing wrong in our land so I took pity on you and sent out a troop. My men are always glad to fight some orc so they set off. We saw them attack you and knew you would never survive. There were too many. When the orcs heard us coming they ran. We found you just in time it seems for you were about to be slain."

Aragorn stared at him. "You live under the forest? In caves? Like the dwarves? Why do you wish to remain unknown?" Wonder was in his voice.

Andura laughed at his wonder. "Yes and no. Our homes are cave like. And no we do not live like the dwarves. We are men like you. The forest is our home. We remain unknown only because no one has come looking for us. We live our lives well enough here. We do not care if people know about us or not, just as long as they do not come disturbing our way of life."

"But you say you were watching me all the time. Indeed at several points during the day I felt I was being watched but I presumed it was animals. How did you hide so well? I usually see these things. Did you blind my sight by an enchantment when I entered?"

Andura laughed. "No, you can only see us if you are looking for us. You were not so you didn't even spot us."

Aragorn thought for a moment, taking it all in.

"Are you the leader of these men?"

Andura nodded. "Yes my father died 2 years ago and I am his heir. But anyway, you say you were travelling with Gandalf the Grey. Where is he now for he was not with you the day you were attacked by the orcs?"

"You know of Gandalf? He went to seek counsel with Saruman the White. I do not know where he is now."

Andura's eyes flashed with anger at the mention of Saruman. "Gandalf we know of but we do not think he knows of us. We are close to everything in this forest and we often speak with Fangorn. He knows Gandalf and says we can trust him. So we do, he often passes through here but never sees us."

Aragorn was puzzled at the name Fangorn but dismissed it from his mind. If I am to know he will tell me he thought.

"How long have I been asleep?"

"It has been almost 2 weeks now."

Aragorn looked up. "2 weeks? I must leave at once. I have wasted time. I must carry on the search. I must find Gandalf."

He stood up to leave but Andura was quicker. Aragorn limped over to the door where Andura stood.

"Let me past. I must leave at once."

"You are not strong enough to leave. There may be more orcs out there and if they attacked you in this state you would most certainly be killed. What use would you be to anyone dead?"

An image of Arwen filled Aragorn's mind and his heart sank. I promised her I would return and I will not break that promise. I must return at once to her.

Andura continued.

"No you will stay here until your arm, leg and head have fully healed and you are back to your full strength. I am not joking, if you leave now I will get my men to fight you if you try to leave. It will be some time before you leave here."

Aragorn looked at Andura. "You cannot do this. I must leave at once. Where is my horse Brego?"

Andura looked puzzled. "Your horse? Ah yes. He was chased off before we could reach him. We heard the cry of another horse and he took off. We tried to catch him but he was faster than the west wind."

Aragorn nodded. "Yes he would be off. That would be the call of Shadowfax his father. Gandalf must have been looking for me. Was he injured?"

"Yes I believe he was on his right front leg but he still ran fast."

A look of worry passed over Aragorn's face. "I hope Gandalf took him to Rohan to be healed. I feel in my heart that he is fine. How long do you think before I am fully better?"

Andura called out in his native tongue and the healer woman came through the door. Again he spoke to her and she thought for a moment before answering. Andura nodded and turned to Aragorn once more.

"She says 4 to 5 months at the most. Your arm is badly hurt. The gash just scored the muscle and your arm is very weak. It will take you a while to build up the strength. You will not be able to fight for some time and even then you will be easily beaten. Your leg will also take time to heal but not as long as your arm, just try not to limp on it too much. Try to walk normally. We also want to be careful with your head as you took quite a hit and you have been asleep for some time."

Aragorn's eyes widened in disbelief. "5 months? But..."

Andura held up his hand and silenced Aragorn. "No buts. That is the maximum time. If you are better before hand then by all means you may leave. I will now leave you to rest as your medicine will be taking affect shortly."

He left Aragorn sitting on the bed and walked out to his guard.

"He will stay. He has told me his tale but I believe he is keeping something from us. I will have to wait to see if he tells. Make sure he doesn't leave his room without my knowledge."

With that Andura turned and strode down the hall, leaving the guard standing by the door.

Aragorn ran his hands through his hair and fell back onto the bed, hurting his arm in the process. He cursed silently and looked up at the ceiling. Thoughts ran through his head but the head medicine was beginning to take affect and he fell slowly into a dreamless sleep. He woke the next morning feeling refreshed but with a bit of a headache. He climbed carefully out of bed and reached for his clothes. He didn't feel comfortable in the white gown and felt much better back in his own clothes. He headed towards the door and opened it. Outside there was a man standing guard. He turned to face Aragorn and bowed.

"Good morning sir, what may I do for you?"

"I wish to speak with Andura as soon as possible."

The guard bowed again.

"Very well. He sent word for you to come when you woke. Please follow me."

He set off down the corridor at a fast pace. Aragorn limped along behind him. He had forgotten Andura's advice to try and walk normally on his leg. The place reminded him of Rivendell.

The guard had stopped outside a huge oak door. All round the edge there were carvings of times gone by. Aragorn stood there for a moment looking at them. The guard stepped forward and knocked 3 times on the magnificent knocker in the middle of the door. Unseen hands opened the door and the guard bowed Aragorn through. He walked slowly into the hall. As soon as he had passed the door it clanged shut behind him. He looked back but again saw no man standing there to close it. He walked on up to the centre of the room. There stood a chair. There was no one sitting on the chair and the room seemed deserted. It was eerie and Aragorn wondered if he had walked into a trap. Maybe he couldn't trust these men. He turned back for the door but a voice stopped him.

"Aragorn welcome to the feasting hall."

As soon as these words had been said the hall was filled with light and the room was full of chatting and laughing people.

"I am sorry I have kept you waiting. Please come and have a seat."

Aragorn looked round him in wonder. Where had all these people come from? Andura seemed to read his mind.

"Again another one of our enchantments. We always treat a new guest like this. It is one of our many traditions from hundreds of years ago, when our people first came here. Please do take a seat."

Andura led him to a seat and then sat down beside him.

"Was there anything you wanted to talk to me about?"

Aragorn swallowed his mouthful of food and answered

"I was wondering when I could start training again. To make my arm stronger."

Andura looked at him.

"Wait for your arm to heal. You cannot train or you will damage your arm permanently. You will have to rest for a few months at least before you can start training."

"But what will I do for a month?" Aragorn asked him.

"Well what do you usually do?"

"I am always out. I never stay in one place for long. Unless I am in Rivendell. There I speak with Gandalf and Elrond and Arwen."

"Elrond and Gandalf I know of but who is Arwen?"

"Arwen is Elrond's daughter, a queen of elves. One of the most beautiful elves you would ever see."

Andura laughed. "And is she the reason why you wish to hurry back?"

Aragorn laughed with him. "Yes she is one of the reasons."

"Well I am afraid we have no Arwen here but you can wander the grounds, stay in your room or read in our library. We have a large library with many books though a large proportion are in our native language, but there are many in the Common Tongue. In our gardens you can wander at your own will but please do not pass through any of the trees. I cannot tell you more but I hope you obey my request."

Aragorn nodded. "You have my word. I would like to read in your library and, if I may, learn your language. I am very interested in all languages and I speak many. Could you show me where the library is?"

"Your guard will show you anywhere you wish to go. Just ask him. His name is Gilroy and I hope he serves you well."

Aragorn stood and bowed to Andura. He noticed that another man had also stood and Aragorn recognised him as the guard outside his door. He walked over to Aragorn.

"Sir, my name is Gilroy. How can I serve you?"

"Good morning Gilroy. Please call me Aragorn. Would you show me to the library please?"

Gilroy bowed low.

"Please follow me."

He left the hall and Aragorn followed him. He led him through a maze of tunnels and stopped outside another big oak door. If Aragorn hadn't known where they were going he would have thought that they were back where they started. He opened the door and Aragorn walked into a dark, musty room. Gilroy lit some of the lights and Aragorn saw that round the whole room there were bookcases stuffed full of books all different sizes and shapes. There was a table in the middle with a light on it.

"I will leave you here. When would you like me to come back for the maze of tunnels is difficult to decipher even for me sometimes."

Aragorn thought for a moment. "If you can leave me for 3 hours and then return I would be most grateful."

Gilroy bowed and then left the room. Aragorn looked round him. Gandalf would love this room he thought wryly. He chose a book in the Common Tongue that explained the history of these people and settled down to read. Before he knew it Gilroy was knocking at the door, telling him it was time for a midday meal. He placed a marker in his book, went to eat and then came back and read some more.

And so the days passed like this. Whenever Aragorn wasn't reading he was out walking in the grounds. 3 months passed in this fashion and one day Andura went to speak with Aragorn. He was in his room, alone. Andura knocked and entered the room. Aragorn was lying on his back staring at the ceiling. He did not stir when Andura entered. Andura walked over to him and waved his arm in front of Aragorn's eyes. There was no reaction. His grey eyes held no emotion. Andura began to worry and was about to call for Gilroy or the healer who had been watching Aragorn when Aragorn stirred. He sat up looked at Andura in surprise.

"When did you come in?" he asked.

Andura laughed though Aragorn saw worry on his brow. "I have been here for a few minutes but you did not stir or acknowledge my presence. What were you thinking of that kept you so deep in thought?"

A trace of colour crept into Aragorn's cheeks. "To be honest I have been thinking about Arwen. I have been missing her lately. I should be returning back to her if I had have kept my word."

He dropped his head. "Well then, I feel my news will bring you some joy. You may begin to start your training in 2 days with your leg. You will have to wait a bit longer for your arm to properly heal. And your head is completely better. I was worried you may have damaged it permanently, such was the force of the attack but your recovery has been quick. Quicker than any man I know of. You heal fast."

Aragorn's eyes shone with happiness. "Thank you Andura. That is good news indeed. My heart is lighter now."

Andura left the room, leaving Aragorn to his own thoughts.

2 days later and Aragorn was up early. When he had dressed and eaten he went down into the grounds. He walked around for a while before he came across Andura. Andura called to him.

"Aragorn there you are. Where have you been? Anyway that does not matter. Are you ready to begin your training?"

Aragorn nodded. "Definitely. Where do we start?"

"Well you will have to visit the healer before you begin." Andura hurried on, seeing the doubt gather in Aragorn's eyes. "Do not fear. This is routine. Who knows? He might bring good news."

So Aragorn followed Andura to the room of the healer. He checked Aragorn over and then spoke to Andura in his native tongue. Aragorn had been learning their language but it was a slow and painful business. Still he knew a few words and caught a few here and there but not enough to grasp their conversation. He looked between them, anxiety growing on his face.

At last the conversation ended and the healer bowed and left. Andura turned to Aragorn. Aragorn searched his eyes but could not see if the news was good or bad. Andura stayed silent. Finally Aragorn burst.

"Well is the news good or bad? What did he say?"

Andura's face broke into a smile. "The news is good. The healer says you can begin training. But wait! He also says you may start training on your arm. It has healed fast."

Aragorn stood up and embraced Andura. "That is good news. May we start?"

Andura smiled and nodded.

"Certainly. Follow me."

He left the room and Aragorn quickly followed. Andura led him to a small courtyard.

There stood a man holding 2 swords, one in each hand. Aragorn cried out.

"That is my sword! I wondered where it had gone."

The man stepped forward and handed it to Aragorn.

"My name is Soro. You will be under my eye for the next month or so. I hope you are ready to begin real work. I talk to you as if you were young and new to this skill yet I see you are a man of many years and that you are a skilled swordsman. I believe you could rival and beat me. Yes Andura do not look surprised. I may be the best swordsman in your land but I could not beat the man standing here. He is one of the folk of the Dunedain, a Ranger. Seldom do we talk or hear of such folk and never has one come across us. We are in high company. This man does not need training and could get none from me. I can only help to strengthen him. See how he handles the sword. He has great skill."

Andura turned to Aragorn. "You are a Ranger? Why did you not say?"

Aragorn answered "Yes I am a Ranger. I did not feel it necessary to tell you. Please do not feel as though I meant to keep this from you. I did not. I was wary and sore when I arrived here and I did not mention it. I have forgotten ever since."

"I do not feel you meant to keep this from me. I always knew deep down in my heart that you were different and special in some way. You hold a power that no ordinary man carries." Soro interrupted Andura. "There is something different about you Aragorn. I am wizened in many things and by many years and I am highly regarded here. There is something more to you than meets the eye. You are more than just a Ranger. See Andura look at him. Yes he looks like a Ranger, he speaks and acts like one but he holds something deep within him, some power that I doubt even he knows."

And indeed as Soro spoke those words Andura looked upon Aragorn in a new light. He saw past the weary traveller and saw the power he held in him. Aragorn's black cloak swept around him and a power radiated from him.

Soro continued "But we are not here to talk we are here to fight and train. Come Aragorn show me your skills." Soro held up his sword and faced Aragorn, ready. Aragorn adopted the same stance. The two circled each other once then with a cry Soro sprang forward. His blows rained heavily on Aragorn but he parried and defended, biding his time, waiting for the right time to attack. The chance came and Aragorn grabbed it. Soro no longer held the edge, Aragorn did. Soro defended for his life but to no avail. Aragorn gave one last blow and Soro's sword was thrown from his hand. Aragorn held the point inches from his heart. Soro turned to Andura and spoke to him in their native tongue. "Do you see what I mean? And he is not even of full strength yet. He will be deadly when his arm and leg are fully healed."

Aragorn was looking between the pair of them. Andura turned to him and spoke in the Common Tongue. "You are a good swordsman, better than any of my men. I can see now that you do not need training but strengthening up. That will not take long. I believe you will be able to leave in a month or so."

"A month or so? That is good news indeed. Although I beat you Soro I will tell you that I could not have held that up for much longer. That was my final shot that disarmed you and if it had not have worked then you would have won."

Soro nodded and thought for a moment. "Very well. That gives me an idea of the strength you are at. We will finish for today. I will build you up slowly. You will not just fight me but I will bring other men to test you tomorrow. Is that okay?"

Aragorn nodded. "That is perfect, thank you Soro. Now I must take your leave for I am tired and weary and I must rest."

He turned and exited the courtyard leaving Soro and Andura alone. Andura spoke to Soro. "He is good. He could beat anyone of our men. Indeed he beat you. I am thankful he is not our enemy for if all Rangers are like him we should be in trouble."

Soro answered him. "I believe he is the best of the lot. Not many men could take on him and win. Only a few of the men of old."

Andura nodded. "Thank you Soro. I will see you tomorrow. He turned and left.

Aragorn had left the courtyard feeling tired, his arm hurt. He went to his room to rest and there he stayed for the rest of the day. He did not leave his room even for meals. His thoughts dwelled on Arwen. He wondered what she was doing right now. He looked out of the window and saw the trees and the grass. The sun shone and sparkled like gold on the far of lake. He thought of the lake in Rivendell and he imagined Arwen there now, swimming in the cool waters.

*

Little did he know that Arwen was sitting by the lake, wondering if he was alive and if she would ever see him again? Where was he? When would he return to her? She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Gandalf there.

"Do you mind if I join you Arwen?" She shook her head. Gandalf sat down beside her. They sat there in silence for a few minutes until Gandalf broke the silence. "Arwen I know you are missing him very much right now. So am I. He was a dear friend and a loyal companion to me. But do you feel in your heart that he is dead?" Arwen was silent for a moment, lost in thought.

At last she spoke. "No I feel he is out there. But I fear he is gravely hurt. What if he is lying somewhere where no one can find him? That is what I cannot beat to think of. I would not be so sad if he was returned to Rivendell, even if he was dead. It is the not knowing that I cannot bear. He will do great things in his life. I can feel it but I do not know what." She fell silent.

Gandalf spoke. "Arwen I feel it is time for you to know of Aragorn's past and who he is meant to become. He is son of Arathorn. If you follow his bloodline you will find he is connected to Isildur. He is heir to the throne of Gondor. He is meant to be king. He is meant to rule all the men of Middle Earth."

Arwen's eyes grew in wonder. "Isildur's heir? A King? Who knows of this?"

"Only I and Elrond know this. He is not just the Ranger you know him to be, he is much more than that."

Arwen sat in silence letting the information sink in. "Then he must not die. We must go look for him. Come Gandalf, we must leave at once." She stood and turned to leave but Gandalf stopped her.

"Arwen we cannot go out looking for him. I have searched all over and have heard no word from anyone. If he lives still then we must wait for him to make his own course back to Rivendell. Did he not promise you he would return?" Arwen nodded. "Then I can tell you he will return. Never has he broken a promise and he will not break his promise to you as he loves you so much. Arwen I know this is hard for all of us. He was a dear friend but do not give up hope. He is still out there. He would not want you to be sad for him for if he lives he knows you should never be sad. Trust me Arwen. Stay here and do not go looking for him. Live your normal life to the full and be happy when he comes back."

With that Gandalf stood and left Arwen by the lake. He went to see Elrond. "Elrond I believe she will not go out looking for him now. I have talked to her. She will wait for eternity until he comes back. Do not fear for her now. And if she does leave then I will go after her on Shadowfax and no horse can out run him. I will bring her back and tie her up in her room and not let her out." Elrond smiled and thanked the wizard.

The next morning dawned bright and clear. Aragorn woke and immediately thought of Arwen. Sighing he got out of his bed and changed into his clothes. He went down to have a quick meal before he left once more for the courtyard. He entered and saw Soro standing there. But he wasn't alone. He stood with a dozen other men much younger than Aragorn. They all looked up as he entered and then turned and began whispering to each other.

Aragorn took no notice of them and went to talk to Soro. "Am I fighting all of them this morning? Please remember that I am still quite weak and I was exhausted after fighting with you."

Soro laughed. "Do not fear you are not fighting all of them this morning, only a few. But word spreads fast here. They all want to see the man who has defeated me. They are curious of your skill and may learn something from you. I believe a larger crowd will gather before we begin. I hope you do not mind. Our people are curious."

Aragorn looked bewildered. "I have never fought in front of a crowd before. But if you feel your men may learn from me I will gladly let them for your kindness I must repay somehow."

"Thank you Aragorn, though not all of these people will be looking to fight you afterwards, some are just here for the fun of watching you fight. But I do have one request to make to you. I have talked to Andura about it and he agrees with me. Please come this way."

He turned and led Aragorn off out of hearing range of the other men.

"Each year we have a feast and a show. The show is made up of sword fighting. Each year we choose one of our best men and see how many men he can defeat. We do not kill just disarm and when you are disarmed then you have to leave the ring. The feast will be in just over a month. I reckon you will be fully fit by that stage and I was wondering if you would take the position of the lone swords man as we call him. The rules do not state that the lone swords man has to be of our people, he or even she can be of any peoples."

Aragorn thought for a moment. "I would be honoured. But I feel as if I would be putting out your men. They would not take too kindly to being nudged out of the running by an outsider."

"Do not worry about that. The man that was going to pick has been chosen two years in a row and will most likely be picked again next year. I have spoken to the man and he does not bear a grudge to you. He would be happy to take a back seat this year, for he will play the last man you will fight if you get past the others, which I do not doubt."

"I see. And the other men will not mind?"

"Not at all. We do not usually have strangers in our land so to them it would be a great honour to fight against one."

Aragorn thought for a moment and spoke "Very well then I will be the lone swords man. I will stay for the feast and show but I must leave soon after that. I must return to Rivendell."

Soro nodded. "So it is agrees then. You shall be the lone swords man! Now let us let back to training for the men are waiting and I hear that a crowd has gathered to see you fight."

He turned and Aragorn followed him back out to the courtyard. The crowd had been noisy before but a silence swept over them and Aragorn stepped into the sunlight. The slight breeze lifted his cloak and drew it away from him; his hair blew gently off his face. He stood there with his sword by his side, its sheath glinting whenever the sun caught it. Andura broke the silence by stepping forward to greet Aragorn and Soro. Aragorn bowed low to him.

"Good morning Andura."

"Good morning Aragorn." Andura replied. "I trust you are ready to take on my men but please be gentle and don't kill them. I may need them later."

Aragorn laughed. "Very well then. I will spare them!"

The crowd looked shocked at his words and those nearest to him backed off a little but when they saw Andura laugh they realised it was a joke and the tension from the air was lost. Aragorn looked at the men he was to fight. They were well armed and looked strong but he sensed they were nervous. He stepped forward into the ring of onlookers and drew his sword. He held it by his side and looked at the men.

No one stepped forward. He waited for a few moments but still no one stepped forward. He turned to Andura with a puzzled look on his face. Andura nodded and turned to Soro. He spoke a few words to him that no one else could hear. Soro nodded and walked towards the men. He spoke to them in a low voice. Then he left them and went back to Andura. Presently one of the younger men stepped forward. Aragorn smiled at him and the man gave him a nervous smile back. Aragorn raised his sword in a defensive pose and the man copied it. They circled each other once just like Aragorn and Soro had, and then the man went in. Aragorn parried his shot and threw back one of his own. The man struggled under the strength of it but managed to hold on. Aragorn was slightly disappointed. That was not one of his strong blows and already the man was weakening. Was he one of the new recruits? He seemed like it. He wasn't sure of himself at all in the fight and Aragorn held the upper edge. After a few more feeble shots Aragorn threw the man's sword and thrust the point to his heart. The man looked stricken but Aragorn stopped the blade just short. He lowered his sword and bowed to the man. The man picked up his sword, bowed and left the ring.

The crowd cheered for him and raised by the cheers the next man stepped into the ring. He bowed and began the fight quickly. This man was stronger than the last and had had more experience. Aragorn defended for a while before launching his own attack. The man held for slightly longer and then again broke. Again the crown cheered and quickly the next man stepped in.

This man did not bother to bow but started raining blows down on Aragorn. Aragorn was taken by surprise. He looked into the man's eyes and saw a gleam in them. Aragorn saw this man had great strength but he was not trained. He did not defend, he only attacked. So Aragorn sent a blow down on him. Aragorn's sword rang when steel hit steel. The man was thrown backwards. He stumbled and fell. His sword flew out of his hands and skittered to the edge of the crowd. Aragorn offered him a hand to help him up. But to Aragorn's surprise the man shook off the offer and jumped up. Grabbing his sword he turned and left the ring. The crowd parted for him as he left. Aragorn looked surprised at the man's attitude. Andura came up to him and whispered in his ear.

"I am sorry about him. He is strong but he never trains and then he expects to be the best. He will not listen to advice that is given to him. Please do not think all of my men are like that."

Aragorn smiled at him. "Do not fear. I can see your men are good people. I can also se that if that man was trained then he could become one of your best swords men. What is his name?"

Andura called Soro over. "Soro what is that man's name?"

"Him? He is called Roth. But that does not matter. Aragorn how is your arm holding up? Could you manage another two? I have some very eager younger pupils who wish to challenge you. They know they will lose but they would just like experience. Is that okay?"

"My arm is tiring but I could manage another two fine. Come then. Let us not keep them waiting."

He strode back into the middle of the ring and looked at the two young men.

They were hardly out of their teens but both looked strong. One of them stepped forward to challenge him. They bowed and the fight began. Aragorn quickly disarmed them both and in matter of minutes the fight was over. He nodded to Andura and Soro and then left for his room. His arm was stiff and sore. He called for Gilroy.

"Would you see if the healer has anything for sore muscles? My arm is hurting and it will stiffen up by the morning." Gilroy left at once and soon came back with the healer. He examined Aragorn's arm quickly and then gave him a dose of medicine to take with strict instructions that if the arm got any worse he was to come and see him as quick as possible. They left Aragorn in peace and he settled into a sleep. The day wore on and in the early evening Aragorn awoke. His thoughts turned once more to Arwen. He lay back with his head on a pillow. He thought of the night by the lake. It was one of the happiest days of his life. He remembered the feel of her back under his hands, the smell of her hair, the touch of her lips on his. He loved the sound of her voice whispering his name in his ear. He sighed and looked up through the window. He closed his eyes and drifted back into a dream.

The days passed for Aragorn. Each day he felt himself getting stronger and stronger. He was getting through more men now and some of them were quite good. The day of the feast and show were drawing near. This reminded him of the feats in Rivendell, of dancing with Arwen. He shook these thoughts from his head. Other thoughts had been creeping in. Ones of him returning to Rivendell and finding Arwen with another elf, ones of him returning back and finding Elrond did not approve and forbidding their love. To keep these thoughts from his head he trained and trained; only stopping for quick meals when he was made to. He grew stronger and stronger, much stronger than he had been before. Andura would have been happy to let him go 2 weeks before the feast started but Aragorn held his word. He had not yet fought against the previous lone swords man. He looked at every man evenly, sizing him up but none that he saw looked like he could beat Aragorn or at least give him a run for his money. And still he trained. His arm was fully better and gave him no more trouble, his leg had been fine for weeks now and he no longer got headaches if he concentrated on one thing for to long as he had got at the start of his injuries.

Finally the awaited day rode round. Banners were put up and wonderful smells could be smelt from the kitchen area. The tables in the Halls were laid and decorated. The women dragged out their dresses from last year and changed, the men put on their best clothes. The feast would take place before the show, which meant Aragorn couldn't let his hair down and get drunk. He also had to watch what he ate for he didn't want to be too full to fight. He put on his normal clothes and went down to the Hall. Andura was already down there waiting for him.

"Ah Aragorn. You will be sitting at the high able with Soro and I. Please come this way."

Andura led him to the table at the front of the room. He sat down and watched as the guests began to filter in. None of them noticed him and began welcoming each other. At last the trumpets sounded and Andura came into the Hall. He had changed since Aragorn had last seen him. Everyone in the room began to clap and cheer. Aragorn joined in quietly. Soro entered with him. Andura sat down beside him and Soro sat down beside Andura.

The food arrived and everyone tucked in except Aragorn. He ate little and only drank water. Andura turned to him. "Aragorn are you feeling okay? You hardly eaten a thing and you are only drinking water."

"I am fine Andura. I choose not to eat and drink much because I am fighting later and I do not want to make a spectacle of myself. I am also too excited to eat. I will be returning to Arwen soon and I cannot eat at the moment. Maybe after I have finished fighting I will take a little food before I set off back to Rivendell."

"Are you leaving at night? Surely it would be better to leave in the morning?"

"No I prefer to travel at night. I can travel quicker and I can be seen less by the moon than by the sun. I blend into the shadows better. I know orcs move at night but I have very good hearing and I can see quite well in the darkness. I will be fine. Do not fear."

Andura sighed heavily. "Very well then. But I am afraid you will have to travel on foot for we only own one horse in our land and that is my, the king's, horse."

"That is fine for as soon as I clear these woods and in the daylight I will call for Brego my own horse. He will come with the speed of the West Wind. I shall be fine once he gets here. I would like to thank you for the kindness you have shown me and if there is anyway I can ever repay you then please tell me now and I will do so."

"There is no way you can repay me at the moment but if I ever need a hand in battle then can I count on your assistance at least once?"

"It would honour me greatly to defend this noble city in battle. Call for me and I will come, I may even bring more of my own kind if you desire."

Andura smiled. "Thank you Aragorn." He stood and embraced Aragorn, and then he turned to his people and announced that the show would begin in 15 minutes.

The swordsmen taking part in the show stood and left through a door to Aragorn's left. Soro ushered Aragorn through it. He took him aside. "You are allowed to wear your own clothes which is good for I fear you would not fight in other clothes. You will be riding the King's horse out into the stadium. There you will dismount him and someone will come and take him from you. He is a fine beast and will bear you well. Then you must walk down into the centre of the ring and bow to the King. Then a trumpet will be sounded and the men will begin to enter one by one. There will be 50 men taking part but if you wish to fight more we have plenty men willing to compete. Only the best 50 make it into the show. If one of the men defeats you, then you should turn to the king and proclaim your defeat. Are you fine with that? Though I am sure you will not need to."

Aragorn nodded and Soro went to see to the other men. He unsheathed his sword and checked it over. Then he went to look for the horse. He found the animal outside being tended by a young man who was the groom. He went over and asked the horse's name.

"He is called Lightfoot sir."

"Thank you. Can I have a minute alone with the horse?" The groom handed over the reins and Aragorn stroked its mane. He was well looked after and his coat shone. He whispered soothingly in the beast's ear. He could feel that the horse was feeling flighty and excited. Immediately the horse calmed and nuzzled him on the shoulder.

Soro came out to find him. He led him to the entrance to the stadium and told him to mount the horse but wait until he came back. Aragorn watched Soro disappear off into another door and then swung himself onto the saddle. The horse reared slightly and Aragorn had to calm him down. Soon Soro returned to say everyone was seated and he was to ride into the stadium. He was to ride to the crest of the hill and stand for a moment. Then he was to carry on down to the King's box where he would dismount. Soro opened the door and Aragorn nudged the horse onwards. He began a trot up the hill until he stood on the crest. The crowd had been talkative and loud but a silence fell when he reached the top of the hill. He paused and that is where everyone saw him. Many still remember that moment. The horseman appearing over the hill. He stopped the horse and he was outlined, his black cloak flapping behind him, the horse's mane and tail lifting in the breeze, his sword glinting by his side, the horse's head held proud. He called to the horse and it reared, snorting and flailing its hoofs, then it set of down the hill at a gentle gallop. Aragorn reined it in just before the Kings box. There he dismounted and bowed low to the King. Andura stood and called to the people.

"Here is Aragorn, the lone horseman. Let him be acknowledged and praised for here he stands before you all preparing for battle."

The groom came and took the horse away and Aragorn stood alone. He unsheathed his sword and it lay restless in his hand.

The sound of a gate opening stirred him. He turned to see his first opponent approaching him. He raised his sword and deftly flicked the sword at the man. The man rushed to him with a strong blow but Aragorn dodged it and the force of the man's blow sent him stumbling onwards. Aragorn turned and quickly flicked away his opponent's sword. The man left the ring with the cheers of the crowd at his back. The record in the show was 20 men. 15 minutes later and Aragorn had reached the record and smashed it as he sent his 22nd opponent's sword flying. The crowd cheered harder than ever. 20 minutes later and Aragorn sent the 49th sword to the feet of the Kings box. He looked over and motioned that he did not want to fight anymore men, just his last and seemingly hardest opponent. The crowd held its breath as a cloaked man stepped out into the ring. Aragorn drew breath and turned to meet his next foe. The man drew back his hood and Aragorn gasped. Soro stood there.

"Aragorn we meet at last. I have heard much of you and ever since our last meeting I have been wishing to beat you. Come will you not fight with me?"

Aragorn laughed but drew his sword. "Soro. We meet again. Ready for another beating or was the one before not good enough for you?"

The crowd laughed at their banter and settled down for a good fight. The pair circled each other once again. Soro was more cautious this time and didn't charge straight at once. Suddenly and quickly he dealt a heavy blow on Aragorn but Aragorn had seen this coming and stepped smartly out of the way. Soro turned and put blow after blow on Aragorn. With some ease though Aragorn parried, blocked or dodged. He noticed Soro was beginning to tire; they had been fighting for some minutes. Aragorn suddenly saw an opening in Soro's attack and took it. He dived at Soro's heart and at the last minute flicked his blade up so it caught the incoming blade of Soro's sword. Aragorn's sword swept the blade clean into the air. It flew straight for Aragorn and he deftly caught it in his left hand. Soro turned to him and bowed.

"So you win again. I name you 'the lone swords man'. Bring him his horse."

And Lightfoot was brought out to Aragorn once more. Soro led the animal to him and handed over the reins while whispering instructions in his ear.

"Mount the horse and ride back to the door. Go through it and wait for Andura and I to come and meet you. Bow to Andura first before you leave. You fight well Aragorn. You will go far in life."

So Aragorn mounted Lightfoot and turned and hailed Andura, the King. Then he galloped up to the crest of the hill and turned and raised his hand in a farewell gesture. He turned the horse and cantered away, never to be seen by any of the people save Andura and Soro again. He rode through the gate and sat waiting on the horse.

Soon enough Andura and Soro came. He dismounted and turned to face Soro.

"You never told me that you were going to be the lone swords man. And all that time you have been studying my fighting methods. I could call you a cheat but you are a dear friend to me. I thank you for the training you have given me. I fear I will not see you again and that is ill news to me. Keep well Soro and next year see if you can beat my record!"

He hugged Soro and then turned to Andura.

"I thank you for the time you have given me here and for believing and trusting me. If you ever need me send word to Rivendell and I will be reached from there. I do not know where my life will take me and I travel a lot so there is the best place to send word."

"Aragorn you have been a breath of fresh air to my people. I thank you for that. Come at any time you like. Just call out Andura and my guards will step forward to greet you and bring you to me."

The men embraced then Andura led Aragorn through the trees and out into the forest.

"Take care Aragorn."

With a wave of his hand Aragorn turned and vanished into the lengthening shadows. He walked to the edge of the forest and decided to rest there until the morning when he could call for Brego. He wrapped his cloak around him and settled down for a lonely night.

To be continued...