1810 (For lack of better title)

[Ellroher]

Ellroher nodded his agreement. "Yes, choosing the right horse is very important and shouldn't be made without careful thought." Ellroher laughed, "Indeed, though I do not doubt that you could, it would be most difficult to climb on and ride with only one arm." You still desire to fight, don't you, Ellroher? Ellroher took a deep breath, "Yes." He said honestly. "Yes, I still desire to fight." He rubbed his horse's head and remained silent for a moment. For the grandson of Elrond, you are not very wise, you do not even listen to me anymore. Such a pity really, I could always get you to listen. Ellroher felt his cheeks warm in anger. But it quickly disappeared when he heard her laugh. Somehow, her laugh always made him see things more clearly when he was upset. "I have been thinking about you've said." He spoke as he turned around. "I've been giving it a lot of though." He smiled, "Pounding hot metal gives you time to think. I think I'm beginning to see that war is not always as glorious as I thought it was. But I still want to fight. I want to be able to fight to defend myself and those I care about." He looked at the ground and loosened a rock with his toe. Ellroher glanced back at Alatariel and as he did a smile crept back onto his face. "Still think I don't listen to you?"

[Eglaneth Alatáriel]

Indeed, though I do not doubt that you could, it would be most difficult to climb on and ride with only one arm. Alatáriël shook her head. "No, I can ride with only one arm," she said. That part alone was easy. It did not take much effort to hold onto the reins. One didn't truly need both hands. "I just cannot climb up with one arm."

Yes, I still desire to fight. Alatáriël nodded. She knew that Ellroher still had the strong desire to fight. It would have seemed pointless to ask, but she still had to hear it for herself. I've been giving it a lot of though. I think I'm beginning to see that war is not always as glorious as I thought it was. But I still want to fight. I want to be able to fight to defend myself and those I care about. Alatáriël reached her arm out and grasped Ellroher's shoulder and smiled.. She saw glad that he had put much thought into it and now realized that war is not what he once thought it was as a child. "One doesn't go to war because they want to, they go to war because they have to," she said. "We fight for what you just said, to defend our loved ones and our homes."

Still think I don't listen to you? Alatáriël laughed. "I sometimes wonder if you still do," she answered. "You did start rebeling a little bit as you got older. Even against me. It had me by surprise a little, but I suppose it was to be expected. I knew that you would stop listening to everything I say at some point. Your family had always loved the fact that I was the only one that was able to get through to you."

[Ellroher]

Ellroher rubbed his horse's nose. "Maybe its because your so easy to talk to." Ellroher felt his face warm slightly, which he tried to hide by leaning forward as if to inspect his horse's leg. He wasn't sure why he said that, or why it embarrassed him. Yes, Alatariel was easy to talk to. She seemed to understand him better than most. Although his sister probably knew him best, she being his twin and all, but Alatariel always seemed to make since to him. As an elfling, Ellroher had practical worshiped her. Yes, he idolized his father too and dreamed of being as great as him some day. And his Grand father? A Valar in his young eyes. But Alatariel was something different, someone he wanted to be like as well.

[Eglaneth Alatáriel]

Maybe its because your so easy to talk to. "Is that so?" Alatáriël said grinning. Ellroher tried to hide his face behind the horse, and pretend to check it's leg. She knew he was embarrassed by his words, for he looked away rather fast. He couldn't hide anything from her. Alatáriël held back a laugh and walked around the horse until she was face to face with him once again. "And what is it makes it so easy for you to speak with me?" she asked.

Over the years, Alatáriël had been told over and over that Ellroher greatly admired her and even worshiped her to a certain level. She did find it flattering, but she didn't think that a little boy Elfling should be admiring someone as her. He thought her greater than she really was, even addressing her as 'Lady' even though she was not actually classified as a Lady. Alatáriël explained that to Ellroher before but it never changed his views about her. He still addressed as such, perhaps out of respect.

"Ellroher," Alatáriël began "Most little boy Elflings admire great Elven warriors of old, such as Fingolfin or Gil-galad, whom were honorable heroes in battle. Some even dream to become great warriors themselves. But instead, you, admire a maiden that is just a mere commoner who studies and works in your grandfather's house." For years, Alatáriël wanted to know why he did, but she couldn't get the answer she wanted from him, except for silly childlike answers. "Tell me, why did you greatly admire me and follow me around wherever I went?"

In years pass, time and time again, Ellroher's mother would approach her with stories her son would tell her, especially when he was in Alatáriël's company. Mirgil told her that he spoke highly of her. 'Lady Alatáriël showed me this, Alatáriël told me that.' Or 'Lady Alatáriël did this, Lady Alatáriël did that.' Mirgil liked to think it sweet that he followed her around as if though he were her shadow. His father thought different at times. Although a close friend to Alatáriël, Elrohir didn't think it entirely proper for his son follow her around everywhere. Alatáriël thought the same but she told Elrohir that it was merely a childhood infatuation and that it would pass when he grew older, and it did. She saw him around the halls less and his mind became focused on other things.

[Ellroher]

Is that so? And what is it makes it so easy for you to speak with me? Ellroher looked up at Alatariel, who had walked around his horse to face him. Ellroher opened his mouth to answer, but found that he couldn't. He didn't know. He felt his ears becoming red and suddenly felt like running away. But Alatariel held his gaze and Ellroher found that he couldn't leave.

Alatariel's next statement made Ellroher a little defensive. He suddenly found his voice again. "I do want to be a great warrior like Fingolfin and Gil-galad were!" He said in a rush. "And like Lord Glorinfindell and father! They are the greatest warriors in Middle-Earth! And I will be just like them one day! You'll see!"

But instead, you, admire a maiden that is just a mere commoner who studies and works in your grandfather's house. Ellroher became very quite as Alatariel drove her point home. He had followed her around a lot growing up. But that was because she always seemed to be around. Elrohir and Ellandan were gone a lot helping the Dunidain fight in the north. And ever since their first meeting, Ellroher had enjoyed talking to Alatariel because she always told him such wonderful stories.

Tell me, why did you greatly admire me and follow me around wherever I went? Alatariel had asked him this before and Ellroher had always answered because she was easy to talk to and told him good stories when he had no one else to talk to. That was why he always followed her around. That was it, right? But he realized that it had been something else too. Something he hadn't thought about. Alatariel would always ask him why he felt one way or another, making Ellroher give support to what he believed in. She always listened to his views and ideas, then would ask why. It made Ellroher think more. She never scolded him or told him he was wrong when they disagreed. She treated him more like an equal than a young elfling. Ellroher was silent for a long time, deep in his thoughts. Finally he slowly answered, in a very quite, thoughtful voice. "Because you have always treated me as though I was an equal than as a child. You always let me figure things out on my own and come to my own conclusion."

[Eglaneth Alatáriel]

Alatáriel watched Ellroher's reaction. His mouth opened but no words came out, it would seem that she had left him speechless, or he was just simply unsure of his answer. One thing Alatáriel did know was that he was nervous, his eyes showed it. She knew he desired to run, but her gaze was strong and he couldn't run from her. After all, Alatáriel had powerful eyes and it was hard anyone to turn away once locked onto them.

I do want to be a great warrior like Fingolfin and Gil-galad were! Alatáriel laughed. "This is no to be so defensive, Ellroher," she said. They are the greatest warriors in Middle-Earth! And I will be just like them one day! You'll see! "I know you will a great warrior someday." Alatáriel grinned, reaching up and ruffled with his long dark hair, like she often did when he was a child, but now, she just did it to tease him. "And there is no need for me too see it, for I already have seen it," she told him. "You will be more than just a great warrior as well."

Alatáriel sometimes did miss the days when Ellroher was a child. He was a sweet child, a very curious and carefree. When Elrohir and Mirgil were busy, she was the one who take care of him, educated him and played with him. She enjoyed those days. Elrohir and Elladan had been like brothers to her, and it almost felt like as if she had a little nephew in Ellroher. She grew to love the child.

Because you have always treated me as though I was an equal than as a child. You always let me figure things out on my own and come to my own conclusion. Alatáriel smiled. A wise answer. A child had so much to learn about life. She often asked him questions and looked to see what his opinions were and how much he had learned through his education. If something he stated was incorrect, she would kindly correct him and explain why it was wrong. Alatáriel had never became anger when Ellroher stated something wrong. It was expected when a child learned. Alatáriel was a fully grown Elf, nearing 2000 years. She was studying with Elrond and even she gave a wrong answer sometimes. "You were a smart child, Ellroher," she said. "You liked to figure things out on your own and come to your own conclusions. It proved you had a curious mind and a desire to understand things."

[Ellroher]

Year 2460 of the Third Age

Ellroher sat on his horse and layed his hands on the pommel. He had ridden a long way, and though he loved riding, he was looking forward to the end of his journey. Below him was the hidden valley of Imladris, his home. It had been, what, 150 years since he had look on it? It seemed different then what he had reMembered, which surprised him. Elven lands hardly ever changed. Then he realized that it wasn't the land that had changed in the last 150 years, it was him! His view and outlook had changed. He laughed at himself.

"What's so funny? Finally realize that you did take a wrong turn back aways?" Ellroher turned and saw a woman ride up behind him with a taunting smile on her face. She had long dark hair and eye's as blue as his. Ellroher returned her smile, "No, no my dear sweet sister. I'm just happy that we're home and I don't have to suffer your cooking anymore. I think I lost 30lbs since we left Lothlorieon." Elemmire frowned and moved up beside her brother and took a swing at him. Ellroher easily dodged her fist and nudged his horse forward, laughing all the more as he did so. Behind him Elemmire yelled, "You'll lose more than a few pounds when I get ketch you!"

The twins rode into Imladris. It hadn't changed a bit. He hadn't realized just how much he had missed home. The river that flowed through the valley made hundreds of waterfalls. He had loved to play in those waterfalls and pools as an elfling and the sight of them brought a smile to his face. He could hear his kin singing and music playing all around him. Ellroher added his voice to the gleefully singing as he and his sister dismounted and were suddenly surrounded my their kin.

Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la
Oh who is this returning,
The grand-twins of Elrond,
Oh where have you been,
Ellroher you look quite thin!
Oh Tra-la-la-la-la-la! Way down in the valley!

Ellroher looked at his sister and gave her a big "I told you so" smile. She elbowed her brother in the stomach then returned his smile. It felt so good to be home. Then Ellroher heard a voice behind him and was instantly wrapped in a strong embrace. "Here's the little lost elfling! Glad you finally found your way home. Did you miss the trail again?" Said the tall elf as he released Ellroher. Out of the corner of his eye, Ellroher saw Elemmire give him a "I told you so" smile.

Ellroher ignored his sister and looked up at the speaker. Ellroher, who at 6'2" tall rarely looked up at people. But this elf was almost a head taller than him. "Hadi. My friend, it is good to see you again." Ellroher embraced the tall elf again. "How has life been in Imladris since I've been gone?" The tall elf just smiled, "Quite, very quite. But since the trouble twins are back, things should pick up a bit around here. I guess the lady of the golden woods finally had enough of you two, blood or not."

Ellroher suddenly reMembered why he and his sister were home. They had been called back to Imladris by Ellroher's grandfather, Lord Elrond. "No." Ellroher said quietly. We were sent home for other reasons. We will have to ketch up later, my friend. But right now I must find Lord Elrond. Will you take care of our horses, Hadi?" Hadi nodded. He knew that Ellroher was usually very picky about his horses and that he must have something very important to tell Lord Elrond if he was handing his horse off after such a long ride. "I'll make sure they're taken well care of." Hadi said. Ellroher nodded his thanks, then headed off to find his grandfather.

[Eglaneth Alatáriel]

Alatáriel had been quiet busy as of late, working in Lord Elrond's halls. Although she had not been studying much recently, she been aiding Elrond as well as his officials. It may have seemed like it was servants work, but in Alatáriel's eyes, it wasn't, for she was treated higher than such, for she was already very well know in the House of Elrond. She was proud to serve in Elrond's house. She already knew that one day she have a greater rank in his halls if she continued to work as hard as she did.

Many years have pass, but Imladris didn't change. Elven realm never changed to begin with. Vilya, the ring of power that Elrond bore, kept that land from aging, making it seem as immortal as those who dwelled in it. Alatáriel would surely fear for the fate of her home is such power were lost, but it would come one day.

It was late in the afternoon, the sun would set soon, and Alatáriel was finished with her days work and decided to hang around Elrond's library for a time for some light reading. She took a book and went out into the lounge area. She sat down in a chair by the window, letting her legs rest over the arm of the chair, swinging her bare feet as she read.

After a time, she heard some of the Elves singing off in the distance, welcoming back Ellroher and his sister back to the realm. She smiled lightly at this. They had been living in Lothlórien for the past 150 years. It seemed strange without having Ellroher around. She had known the young ellon since the day he was born and had grown use to seeing him every day. Alatáriel wondered what he did while in the Golden Realm. She did frown at a one line of the song, probably getting an idea of what already. If he had been paying more mind to his work and study and less eating, she would certainly kick him in his rare end.

Alatáriel waited for a brief time them set the book down and stood on her feet. She left to the room and went in search for the grandson of Elrond. She walked about the halls looking to see in he had come inside yet. Once she came near to the entrance of the Elrond’s home, she saw her young friend speaking with Hadi. She decided to hide herself and wait to into Ellroher finished speaking with his old friend. Once he quickly made his way inside, Alatáriel suddenly stepped out of her hiding place and surprised Ellroher with a light embrace saying, "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

[Ellroher]

Ellroher temporary forgot his errand and exclaimed, "Alatariel!" He quickly wrapped his arms around the older elf. "It is so good to see you." He released her and stepped back. "You are looking very well. Did your father finally give you back your sword?" Ellroher laughed as he asked. Alatariel's father had taken her sword away from her after she had ridden north to fight against the armies of England.

Where are you off to in such a hurry?
Ellroher excitement of being home and seeing his dear friend was stilled for a moment. "I have to see my grandfather. Evil has returned to Dul Guldar. The Lady of the Woods sent me and Elemmire back home with a message to Lord Elrond that she suggest that the White council meet and discuss this resent attack. Mithrandir believes that the Nazgûl are the ones who have taken up residence in Dul Guldar." Ellroher wanted to talk to Alatariel. Wanted to tell her all he had seen and learned while he was gone, but now wasn't the time. "I must tell grandfather at once. But perhaps later we could meet and talk. It's really good to see you again Alatariel. I think I your the only one who I really missed." He quickly gave her a hug and then hurried down the hall.

[Eglaneth Alatáriel]

- Angmar, not England lol -


Alatáriel looked Elloher up and down and frowned. “Well, what the Elves were saying is true,” she said. “You have grown quite thin as of late. Have you been paying more mind to your work and less time taking care of yourself? Say like eating for example?” Ellroher’s mother surely will not be happy seeing that her son had lost weight. Alatáriel saw her often and Mirgil wondered what her children were up to, if they were happy, healthy and perhaps working hard on whatever they were doing and behaving for her sake.

You are looking very well. Did your father finally give you back your sword? Alatáriel rolled her eyes at this. “You know he did, you just still like to poke fun at me. It is not my fault that I’m really stubborn, I am a Noldo after all.”

Evil has returned to Dul Guldar. The Lady of the Woods sent me and Elemmire back home with a message to Lord Elrond that she suggest that the White council meet and discuss this resent attack. Mithrandir believes that the Nazgûl are the ones who have taken up residence in Dul Guldar. Alatáriel frowned at such news. She knew that evil would arise again. Many surely knew that it would return. “So evil is returning,” she said. “I have seen visions of evil as of late. The Nazgûl, winged beasts, and Sauron’s return, but their plans, that I have not yet seen.”

I must tell grandfather at once. But perhaps later we could meet and talk. Waving him off, Alatáriel said, “Then go, for your news is most urgent.” It was a shame he had to run off quickly to speak with Elrond, and with ill news at that. Elrond also had the gift of foresight, so perhaps he too, had seen visions of dark times ahead as well. I think I your the only one who I really missed. “You must not say that,” she said quickly. Alatáriel meant no offense of course. “I cannot be the most important person to you, I know your dear mother has missed you more than anyone, you best go see once you have spoken to Lord Elrond. She has missed her children. We shall speak later, go now.” She quickly return his hug and watched as he ran down the hall.

[Ellroher]

Ellroher spent several hours with his grandfather Elrond, telling him of what had happened in Greenwood although the elf lord already knew most of it. When Ellroher was dismissed, he went to find his mother. She found him first. "My son!" She exclaimed as she wrapped him in her arms. "You've finally come home. Let me see you." She turned Ellroher around and smiled. "You've grown a lot. You look so much like your father that soon people will be getting you to mixed up." Ellroher smiled at her compliments and kissed her on the cheek. "I have missed you to mother. I'm glad to see that no ill has befallen you. Though what ill could befall one in Imladris?"

After Ellroher left his mother he went to his home and changed out of his worn riding cloths. He put on a fresh dark blue tunic and fastened a small knife to his belt. The night was full of life, as most night in that enchanted valley were. Ellroher could hear the sound of harps and flutes and elven voices singing. The young elf smiled. Though the fair trees of Lothlorien were more beautiful than any he had ever seen, his heart was ever in Imladris. Ellroher wandered down to the streets below, seeing many of his friends and partaking in their merriment. But soon he wondered down a small path to a quite pool of water and sat down on the grass. This was his favorite place. The hidden pool.

[Eglaneth Alatáriel]

Alatáriel herself was curious to know what news Ellroher had, but those words were for the ears of Lord Elrond and not her. What he had could not all her visions had shown her. Alatáriel wished she could see more but she can only see what her visions would allow her to see. At the same time, she did not wish to know anymore. It was complicated; being gifted with sight.

She turned down the hall and went about her usual activities for the remainder of the day. Mainly her studies, but now was learning the ways of service in Elrond's home. Her father always told her time and time again that her great intelligence, privileged life, and her much involvement with Elrond and his family would grant her a high place in his home. Sometimes Alatáriel thought her father expected much from her. 'You have much to offer, my dear daughter, I only want what is best for you' He would say.

That night, many of the Elves gathered for music, song and dance. Alatáriel joined for them for a time, bringing with her her flute and played along with the other flute players and those with harps. Many like say that Alatáriel would the best flute player. She saw Ellroher pass at one point but he did not see her. He was off speaking with his friends. He did not stay long though. Later in the night, Alatáriel broke away from the crowed and decided to go for a walk. She found Ellroher by the hidden pool, sitting on the grass at the waters edge. "I had assumed that you would be here."

[Ellroher]

Ellroher had been reMembering that last time he and his sister had played in the hidden pool when he heard a voice behind him. He turned and smiled. "It is my favorite place to go, weather to swim in the pool or to just sit and think. I've been doing that a lot lately. Thinking I mean, not swimming." He added quickly.

Ellroher chuckled to himself as he moved over and offered Alatariel to sit and join him. "Yes, I have been thinking, and not about slaying dragons either." He stated before his old friend pointed out that when he thought it was usually about those things.

[Eglaneth Alatáriel]

It is my favorite place to go Alatáriel nodded. She have not forgotten that. However, she poked fun at him saying jokingly, "Really? Because your mother once told me that your favorite was being attached to my side." She then chuckled, remembering the days when he was boy, always tagging along with her where ever she went.

Yes, I have been thinking, and not about slaying dragons either. Alatáriel laughed lightly. She normally would have pointed his thoughts being of nothing but slaying beasts and being a great war hero, as she was did years ago when he was a mere child. But Ellroher was fully grown now and such boyhood thoughts did not linger in his head. She smiled. "I know," she said as she sat down next to him. She then asked, "What have you been thinking about as of late?"

[Ellroher]

Ellroher laughed. "Yes I believe she might say something like that. But it was only because I could get away with so much more when you were around." Thinking back, Ellroher could now see how much trouble he was as a young-elf-ling. "Its a wonder that Elrond didn't send me and Elemmire to Lothlórien sooner, just so there would be some peace in Imladris." Ellroher laughed at himself.

What have you been thinking about as of late?
Ellroher stopped laughing and looked back towards the streets where the other elves could be faintly heard still singing and playing. "Its different. Being outside of Imladris." He turned back and sighed. "I don't know what it is. Something felt different being out in the world. It was exciting yet at the same time it was..." He struggled to find the right word. "Different. I can't quite describe it." Ellroher turned and looked at Alatariel. "You've been out in the surrounding lands. What is it about them that makes them so different from here? Or in Lothlórien?"