"I wish I could remember all that we know, but we cannot do what we must do if we know too much." - Gandalf

10th August/Urui T.A 3004 Rivendell

That afternoon, Elrond summoned Rodon to his study. He and Aragorn gently questioned him about what had happened during the Orc attack on Duincar. "You have been a brave lad, Rodon. Your parents would be proud of you. One day you shall be a fine Ranger just like your father," said Aragorn.

"I hope so, my Lord Chieftain. Then I can avenge my parents. Halbarad said my father died protecting my mother."

"Aye Lad, we shall bury them together."

Rodon sniffed and wiped a couple of tears from his eyes.

"How are you fairing with the Master of stables Rodon? He speaks highly of you," asked Elrond.

"He is very kind, as are all the grooms. He says I don't need to help yet, but I like to be with the horses. They comfort me."

Elrond thanked Rodon and sent him back to the stables. Whilst he and Aragorn discussed everything the boy had told them. Elrond paced about the study. "There can be no mistaking it now. Abducting Anberenien was clearly the temple's objective and the Dark Lord has placed a king's bounty on her head."

Aragorn shook his head in disbelief. "But why so high a bounty? Anberenien is just a little girl."

"A little girl with a claim on the Gondorian throne. An innocent child is far easier to corrupt and control than a grown man. If Sauron had her, all he would need to do is kill you and he would have a puppet queen under his control."

"And my people would fall into darkness." The reality of the situation weighed heavily upon Aragorn. "What should I do?" With such a bounty, I fear that if I were to send her to Gondor or Dol Amroth, Anberenien would not only be at risk herself, but also a risk to any foster family."

"Alas, it is not for me to advise you. But perhaps it would be wise for you to distance yourself from her. To protect you both."

"How can I? I swore to Beren I would raise her! No, perhaps it is time I went to Minas Tirith and claimed my throne. We would at least be safe in the fortified city."

"And take Anberenien across Middle Earth to Gondor? The last two heirs of Elendil? The sheer number of guards needed to accompany you would arouse the suspicions of our enemies, not to mention Sauron himself. Even if you were to make it to Gondor unscathed, there will be Denethor to face."

Aragorn unsheathed Narsil, placing the two halves together on the table. "Alas, Mother was right. I should never have made an oath upon these shards. She told me no good ever came of an oath made upon a broken sword. Now my family is broken too!"

Elrond laid his hand upon Aragorn's shoulder. "Part of fatherhood is doing what is in your child's best interests. Even if it breaks your heart."

Aragorn sat silently, pondering Elrond's words. He knew Elrond was thinking of Arwen and the sacrifice she was prepared to make to be with him. Perhaps he should send Anberenien to her. She would be safe with Arwen in Lothlórien if Celeborn and Galadriel granted her entry. But even then, the journey would be perilous, especially for a young child."Surely there is some counsel you might offer me?"

"You swore to Beren to keep Anberenien safe. He would understand if you had to pass her guardianship to another. I would be more than happy to raise Anberenien as my own as I did you. Let her be a sister to you. She would still be your heir, and I could bring her to you with Arwen once you were crowned. Then you would still be honouring your oath to Beren."

Aragorn looked at the two shards again and placed them back in the sheath. "I need some time to think on this."

They heard the sound of a staff on stone approaching the chamber. Gandalf appeared at the entrance. "I came as soon as I got word. Oh Aragorn, I wish I could say something that would bring you comfort."

Aragorn smiled, but the haunted look in his grey eyes betrayed his grief. "Your presence here is comfort enough, Gandalf."

"How are the children?" asked Gandalf.

Aragorn and Elrond told him what they had discovered, and he listened with growing concern. "A king's bounty upon a child. This is ill news indeed." His bright eyes beneath his hat caught Elrond's.

As for an enclave in the black mountains, I have no knowledge. But King Thranduil's Wood Elves have a few of their folk still living in the mountains. Perhaps he has knowledge that might be of use to us. I will pay him a visit ."

"I would like to come with you Gandalf, but I must first bury my kinfolk," said Aragorn.

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Gandalf sat on the window seat of Anberenien's chamber, cradling her as she sobbed in his arms. "Why Gandalf? Why did they have to die? It is not fair. I loved them. Why did he take them from me?"

"He did not take them from you, the Orcs, and the bad people did. Not him."

"Then why will he not take the pain away?"

"Because if he did so, he would have to take away all the happy times, too. And those memories are precious. Mortals die, Anberenien."

"My body is mortal. Will I have to die before I can be as I was?"

"It is not quite the same for us. I wish I could remember all that we know, but we cannot do what we must do if we know too much. We must trust that there is a plan for both of us."

Anberenien stifled her tears and looked up at him. "Why are we here?"

Gandalf shifted with discomfort. He knew she was not of his order. However, she had been sent to Middle Earth for a purpose. Beren and Naerien had been her means of arrival but had no connection to the path she was to tread. There was one thing that had played upon his mind though. Who had informed Sauron of Anberenien's presence in Middle Earth, and why? Only a handful of people knew of her true nature. He had his suspicions but hoped he was wrong. "Well, I am here to advise the free peoples, but not to interfere. As for you? I suppose you will discover your purpose as you grow. Mortals grow up quickly."

"Do you remember anything from before, Gandalf?"

"A little. It comes and goes, like the sea. But my heart tells me all I need to know." His bright eyes narrowed at Anberenien. "And what do you remember? From before?"

"I only know what my heart tells me. That I am different, incomplete." She caught him in her silver gaze and she played with his beard. "I know you from before, but I don't know how."

Gandalf smiled and patted her hand. "That you know me from before is enough for now. Pay attention to your dreams, though. They may carry important messages."

Anberenien's face darkened. "My dreams! If only I had spoken sooner. My parents and everyone in Duincar might have been saved." And she told Gandalf about her dream the night before Duincar was attacked.

Gandalf sighed and shook his head. "It will not do to dwell on this, Anberenien. Do not blame yourself. They may not have listened to you even if you had said something."

Elenye entered the room carrying a mourning gown. She explained she needed to make some final adjustments before the ceremony. Gandalf took his leave of Anberenien and slowly made his way towards Elrond's chamber. "Gandalf! Am I glad to see you," said a small chirpy voice.

Gandalf looked down with a smile at the elderly Hobbit. "It is good to see you, Bilbo, old friend."

"I assume you have been to visit the young lady. Terrible business. Poor Beren, I knew him, you know. Met him and Aragorn on the journey to Rivendell. Nice fellow, most rangers are grim, but not Beren. He was such a merry fellow."

"Yes, he shall be sorely missed. Now, if you will excuse me, I must speak with Aragorn about the arrangements for the ceremony."

"Ah, yes, of course. I have not had a chance to speak with him. Would you pass on my condolences to the young lady?"

"Of course Bilbo. I am sure you will see a lot of Lady Anberenien now that she will be living under Lord Elrond's care. I am sure she will appreciate hearing of your adventures."

Bilbo grinned and winked. "leave it to me Gandalf. I will be sure to tell her of my adventures. If you think it may lift her spirits after...... oh and the young lad in the stables."

"Yes, Bilbo. I think your stories will do them both the world of good."

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11th August/Urui T.A 3004 Duincar

The full moon watched over the proceedings taking place below. Where once the village of Duincar had stood. Now a torchlit crowd of Elves and Men, gathered before a large funerary pyre where the Great Hall had once been. Gandalf watched as they sang laments for the slain. During the singing, Halbarad led a company of rangers who carefully laid the linen-wrapped bodies onto the pyre. Beren, Naerien, Gruinith and Rodon's parents were the last bodies to be placed. Gilraen presented the children with locks of their parents' hair, carefully braided together as keepsakes. Next, the children and Gilraen placed flowers upon the bodies and said their last goodbyes.

Gandalf silently wiped the tears from his eyes as he watched Anberenien and Rodon bravely carry out their duties. When the pyre was ready, Aragorn said a few words before giving the order for the Pyre to be lit. Rangers carrying torches lit the pyre and kept a vigil as it burned. Gandalf and Aragorn remained with the rangers, while Elrond took the children back to Rivendell. When morning came, they raised a great earth mound over what remained and left the people of Duincar to rest in peace.

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15th August/Urui T.A 3004 Rivendell

Gandalf and Aragorn descended the steps towards the main courtyard. There, the grooms were preparing his pony and Aragorn's horse for their journey. As they did so, the door of the main entrance opened and Anberenien came running outside. She called out furiously to Aragorn, and they both turned to see her standing at the top of the stairs. Her face was red with rage and tears."You promised Pappa you would raise me if he passed, not Lord Elrond!"

Aragorn climbed back up the steps and sank down to her level. "Alas child, I cannot care for you as I would wish. It is safer for you to remain here under the guardianship of Lord Elrond. A child has no place in the wilds, and I cannot retire from my duty to be the father you deserve. But I promise you that when I am king, I will send for you and fulfil my oath to your father."

Anberenien glared back at him, her fists clenched tightly. "I do not care, I am no child! I want to go with you and avenge my kinfolk!"

Gandalf cocked his head slightly, his bright eyes matching her angry gaze. "Anberenien! Aragorn is quite right. We go now for knowledge that may help us defeat the Dark Lord. It is a perilous quest and you are too young for such dangers." A lamp on the wall fell to the ground and smashed.

Gandalf raised one of his shaggy eyebrows. Anberenien smirked slightly before hanging her head. He knew she had been the cause and suspected she was also aware of it. It would only be a matter of time before her Will fully asserted itself and he only hoped she would use it wisely. At least in Rivendell, there was very little trouble Anberenien could get into.

Elrond and Elenye arrived shortly after. "Anberenien, there you are. Elenye said you were distressed and ran from your room." He then noticed the broken lamp on the ground. "What happened here?"

"It just fell off," said Aragorn.

"Oh dear, well, I shall have Lindir attend to it. That might have hurt Anberenien if it had hit her." He placed a hand on her head. "Why don't you take a stroll with Elenye in the Pinewoods? It always lifts your spirits."

Anberenien nodded and placed her hands on the pummels of her blades. "When I grow up, I will kill every one of those bad people, Aragorn. I swear it!"

Aragorn laid his hands upon her shoulders. "Anberenien, you are far too young to make such oaths. Now go with Elenye and forget your vengeance, no good will come of it." Anberenien tightly embraced him before Elenye ushered her away.

Aragorn got to his feet, and Gandalf patted him on the shoulder. "I think it is time we made our way to Mirkwood." Aragorn agreed and after taking their leave of Elrond. They both made their way back down the steps. Something made Gandalf turn back. And in one of the Gardens, he saw Glorfindel staring back at him, his golden hair catching the rays of the sun. "Do not worry, I shall watch over my Gracious Lady," he heard him say to his mind. He gave him a nod in reply and continued down into the courtyard with a sense of relief.