Chapter 1

The Beginning

My name is Gilraen daughter of Aragorn. My mother's name is Arwen Undomiel. I live with my parents and grandfather in Imladris. I have not seen my father in almost 14 years. He travels a lot and my mother tells me he helps people. I have only seen him one time 13 years ago. I always remember that day. He brought me a pendant called the Evenstar. I still wear it to this day. He told me I was beautiful just like my mother and that I had to be strong just like him and protect her.

Today is my 17th birthday. I woke up and looked out my window. Every day I hope that I see my father come home. And every day I am disappointed. I heard a soft knock on the door.

I looked up and saw my mother walk in.

"Edinor veren Gilraen!" She said.

I smiled and she hugged me.

"Hannon le Naneth." I said.

"~I cannot believe you're already 17. I wish your father was here for this.~" She said.

I sighed and looked away.

"~Then where is he?~" I asked.

"~He is helping…..~"

"Naneth! You have been telling me the same thing for 14 years! When will he come back? When I am 28?" I asked.

She sat down on my bed.

"Gilraen I know not when he will return. He is a ranger. He knows many people and helps many people. But he loves us and whenever he can he comes back. You must understand that." She said.

I looked out the window for a minute. I sighed and then looked at my mother.

"~I have to find him. Please understand…..I am 17 and I have to see my father. I don't want to wait anymore.~" I said.

She stood up and put her hand on my face.

"~I knew this day would come. And I knew it would come soon. Which is why my gift to you is no toy.~" She said.

She took my hands and took me to her room. She opened a trunk and picked up something. She turned and handed me a sword. I looked at her in surprise. She smiled.

"~This is Hadhafang. This sword belonged to your grandfather before me. Now it is yours.~" She said.

I unsheathed it and looked at it.

I smiled and nodded. I sheathed the sword and hugged my mother. When we separated she kissed my cheek.

"~Go…..and be safe.~" She said.

I nodded and left. I packed a bag and grabbed the bow my father had sent me for my birthday last year. I changed into cloths that were worn so people would not know I was an elven princess. It was true I looked more like an elf, and I did not want people to know that. I looked in the mirror and nodded. I went to the stables. My mother had given me her horse when I had first learned to ride. I smiled and saddled him. I mounted him and started to ride.

For 3 days I had been riding until I decided to rest. I thought that since I was out looking for my father I would head to Bag End to see my friend Bilbo. His birthday was coming up and I hoped to wish him a happy birthday. I gave Asfaloth my horse some food and water and then lay down. When I woke up it was already dark out. I shrugged and mounted Asfaloth.

"Noro lim." I said.

He galloped forward. Another 4 days had passed and I knew I was close to the Shire. I soon heard humming. I turned and saw an old man riding forward in a wagon. He stopped and looked at me.

"Are you lost my dear?" He asked.

"No sir. I am heading for the Shire. I have some old friends there." I answered.

"You seem very familiar. Have we met before?" He asked.

"No I cannot say we have. Who are you? I can see you are a Wizard." I said.

"I am Gandalf the Grey. Or Mithrandir as some call me. And you my dear?" he asked.

"I am Gilraen." I said.

He bowed his head and smiled.

"You are an elf are you not?" He asked.

I nodded.

"I am heading to the Shire as well. We share the same road." He said.

"I would be glad of your company Master Gandalf." I said.

He smiled and laughed. I smiled and we continued. Soon a familiar looking person came running forward. He smiled when he saw me. It was Frodo. Bilbo's heir and nephew.

"Gilraen!" He said.

I smiled and then he looked at Gandalf and tried to look upset.

"You're late." He said.

Gandalf looked up at him.

"A Wizard is never late Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to!" He said.

The two of them stared at each other and then we all started to laugh.

"Its wonderful to see you Gandalf!" Frodo said.

He leapt into his arms and hugged him. I smiled and Gandalf smiled.

"You didn't think I would miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?" He said.

"What news of the outside world? Tell me everything!" Frodo said.

I smiled at his eagerness.

"Everything? Quite curious for a hobbit. Most unnatural." Gandalf said.

Gandalf explained what had been going on and then Frodo jumped out of the wagon. We soon came to Bag End. Gandalf knocked on the door and I stood behind him.

"No thank you! We don't want anymore visitors, well wishes or distant relations!" Bilbo shouted from the house.

"And what about very old Friends?" Gandalf asked.

Bilbo opened the door.

"Gandalf?" he asked.

"Bilbo Baggins."

"My dear Gandalf!" He said.

Bilbo went and hugged the old wizard. Then he saw me and his smile widened.

"Little Gilraen! I haven't seen you since you were 6! How old are you now my dear?" He asked.

"I turned 17 7 days ago." I said.

He smiled and I knelt down and hugged him. He then had us come in.

"I have a few bottles of the old Wynyard left! 1296! Very good years! Almost as old as I am! It was laid down by my father! What say we open one eh?" Bilbo said.

"Just tea for us. Thank you." He said.

He turned and almost bumped the chandelier. But as he turned again he hit his head on the woodwork.

"Ho!" He said.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"Yes yes I am fine." He said.

I nodded and I went into the kitchen. Bilbo gave me a sandwich and I thanked him and ate. He then went looking for Gandalf who appeared in the kitchen. He smiled and came inside. There was a knock at the door and then an angry voice. Bilbo went to the window and then gasped.

"Sackville Bagginess!" He said.

Gandalf and I were confused.

"They're after the house! They have never forgiven me for living this long! I have got to get away from these confounded relatives hanging around the bed all day never giving me a moment's peace! I want to see mountains again mountains Gandalf! And then settle down someplace quiet where I can finish my book." Bilbo said.

I smiled and then looked out the window wondering where my father was.

"Tell me Gilraen how is your mother Gilraen?" Bilbo asked.

"She is just fine thank you Bilbo." I said.

"Who is your mother?" Gandalf asked.

"Lady Arwen Undomiel." I said.

Gandalf raised his eyebrows.

"You are his daughter." He said.

I looked at him and so did Bilbo.

"I knew you were Aragorn's daughter the moment I laid eyes on you." Gandalf said.

I looked away. I took the Evenstar out of my pocket.

"He gave this to me 14 years ago before he left. I haven't seen him since. I left Rivendell to find him. I came here to wish Bilbo a Happy Birthday. But then I had to go and find my father." I explained.

"He is at the Village of Bree. You will find him there. However around there they call him Strider. It is about 4 days from here. I have always wanted to meet you. I am glad I finally have." Gandalf said.

I smiled.

"Thank you Gandalf. And Happy Birthday Bilbo." I said.

They thanked me and then I left. I saw Frodo on my way out.

"Are you leaving already? Are you not going to stay for the party? Merry and Pippin would want to see you." Frodo said.

I smiled and knelt down.

"I wish I could. But I have to find my father. Say hello to them for me. And keep them out of trouble." I said.

I kissed his forehead and then mounted Asfaloth. I rode out of Hobbiton and towards the village of Bree. I managed to make it there in no less then 3 days. I stabled Asfaloth and then went walking through the streets. I pulled up my hood and found an inn called the Prancing Pony. I walked inside and found the Innkeeper.

"Excuse me sir. I am looking for someone they call Strider." I said.

He looked at me and I lowered my hood.

"I am sorry miss. I haven't seen him for almost 3 months now. Is there anything else I might help you with?" he asked.

I smiled and asked to book a room. He nodded and showed me to where I could stay. I thanked him again and looked out the window. I saw people walking through the streets and going into shops and going home. I smiled and lay down on the bed.