"There is a big difference between being deceived and being corrupted." -Elrond

21st April/ Gwirith T.A 3010, Rivendell

The next morning Aragorn had gone, and Anberenien went to meet Elrohir at the stables for her riding lesson. But as she brushed down her horse, she noticed her friend was missing.

"Elrohir, where is Rodon?"

"He has gone with Aragorn now he is old enough to go into the wilds. We expected he would go one day," replied one of the grooms.

Anberenien felt as though someone had punched her in the stomach. "But he never even came to say goodbye."

Elrohir laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Rangers, don't say goodbye, Anberenien, you know that. Not unless they believe they will not return."

Elrond was sorting through more scrolls when Anberenien stormed into his chamber.

"Why did you not tell me Rodon was going away? I didn't even get to say goodbye!"

"They left early. You were asleep. I did not wish to wake you."

"Rubbish! He was my friend! You and Aragorn wanted him gone because he was a stable boy and not a Gondorian Prince!

Elrond frowned, his arms folded. "No, he left because it was his time to go. You always knew that Rodon would one day join the Rangers as his father before him."

Anberenien glared at him. "You do not understand Ada!" And fled from the study. She ran to her chamber and threw herself onto the bed, sobbing. Despite Elenye's coaxing, Anberenien refused to attend her lessons and spent the whole day sulking. That evening, she would not join Elrond for dinner or the Hall of Fire afterwards.

That night in her dreams, a handsome man with red eyes appeared before her. "Do not be afraid, we were once acquainted, you and I, friends even. Only you do not remember. But I can help you, Almárie." He said in a soft, kind voice.

"Almárie? Yes, I remember that name. But I do not remember you."

"But you will, and I can help you. Dear Almárie, I have missed you so." The man then faded back into the darkness.

"Wait! Please, tell me who you are!" But there was no reply.

When she woke that morning, her first blood had come. Anberenien was now a maiden.

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22nd April/ Gwirith T.A 3010, Rivendell

The Dining Hall was specially decorated for Anberenien's Maiden feast. Elrond had invited all of her tutors, and her favourite dishes were served. At the end of the dinner, Elrond handed Anberenien the beautifully carved strongbox that Aragorn had given him for safekeeping and gave her the key. "This box contains your mortal family's valuables that were saved from Duincar. Now I return them to you."

Anberenien examined the box. It still carried scorch marks from the fire that had consumed the Hall. Carefully, she opened it. Inside were bags of gold and silver coins and her mother's brooches and beads. Anberenien picked up the brooches, stroking them with her fingers. Happy thoughts floated into her mind as she remembered her Mother wearing them. Walking with her in the fields, learning sticks with her grandmother and listening to her Father's stories in the Great Hall.

But that night she dreamed of the handsome man again and in the following days, he was never far from her thoughts. Anberenien was distracted and dreamy during her lessons. But when Elrond tried to speak with her on the matter, she became angry and dismissive of his concerns.

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28th July/Cerveth T.A 3010, Rivendell

Anberenien dreamed she was walking through a sloping meadow of golden wheat. She had the feeling someone was following her and turned to see the red-eyed man in robes of cloth of gold, standing a few feet behind her. He gave her a warm smile as he slowly approached. "Welcome, Almárie. What do you think of this place?"

"It is beautiful, but where are we?"

"This is more than a dream. This is the unseen realm. I have created it just for you. To show you just what you are capable of. Why don't you take a look into that pool over there and see your truth?" He pointed towards the bottom of the hill where a small pond was situated surrounded by flowers.

They walked down the gentle slope towards the pond, and Anberenien peered into its silvery waters. At first, she saw nothing. Then the waters cleared to reveal a woman staring back at her. She had long silver hair, her eyes were like stars, and her skin shimmered as she moved.

She then saw the man's reflection behind her and felt his hot dry breath whispering in her ear. "Now do you see, Almárie the Blessed?"

Anberenien finally saw herself for who she truly was and realised she was no longer in the form of a girl. Glimpses of the world she had left behind flashed across the water. All of her life, she had known she was not like other children and not just because of her lineage. So many questions swam into her mind. She turned to face the man and asked him who he was.

The man threw his head back and laughed. "You still do not remember me? Very well. I am known as Miaron the Admirable, Annatar Lord of Gifts and by many other names." She felt him caress her long silver hair."Here, you appear as you truly are and you are as beautiful as the last time I saw you."

"When did we last meet?"

He moved in closer and slid his hand around her waist. "A very long time ago, and I will tell you all about it soon. But first I need your help."

Anberenien felt strangely drawn to Miaron's eyes, as if hypnotised by them. "Of course, Miaron, you have helped me know who I am. But how can I help you?"

Mairon looked down sadly. "Here, in the unseen, I can take any form I wish. But in Middle Earth, my form is less than pleasing. I was injured in a terrible battle. Then my enemies stole my ring and I could no longer restore myself. I am suffering Almárie, but you can help me get it back. You will help me, won't you?"

Anberenien thought for a moment. There was something familiar about his story, but she could not put her finger on it. Her mind felt muddled as clouds were forming over her memories again.

"Almárie! Will you help me?" He looked at her with pleading eyes.

"But how will I find it? Is it in Rivendell?"

"No, but that little friend of yours, the Halfling. He may have some information on where it might be. Speak with him about the ring and the Shire and see what you can discover." Mairon looked about him. "I must go now, but when you have the information I desire, I will come to you again."

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29th July/Cerveth T.A 3010, Rivendell

The next morning, Anberenien felt as if she had barely slept. Wearily, she came down to the dining hall. Bilbo was already at the table, enjoying his bowl of porridge and some hot buttered toast. "Good morning, my shiny young friend. You look tired. Did you not sleep well?"

Anberenien sat down to her bowl but did not feel very hungry. "I am fine, Bilbo. How is your book progressing?"

"I am still working on it, but some days I find it a struggle."

"Ask him." Came a whisper to her mind. And she felt compelled to do its bidding. Anberenien looked deeply into Bilbo's eyes. "Do you ever miss the Shire?"

"Oh, yes, there are some nights where I have beautiful dreams of being at Bag End and smoking my pipe on the lawns again. They are so real I can almost touch them, then I wake and I am here. Not that Rivendell is any less beautiful or peaceful. But the pull of home is always strong, as it must be for you, my lady. You are a very long way from home." His voice sounded strange, as if in a trance.

"Bilbo, if I wanted to visit The Shire, how would I get there?"

"A good month's journey from here, at least. I quite forget how long exactly. But if you follow the road west as far as Bree, the Shire is not far off."

"Ask him, ask him about the ring." The voice whispered again. All at once she remembered Bilbo's stories about his quest with Dwarves, Wood Elves, and a magic ring. "Do you remember telling me about your ring, Bilbo? The one in your stories. You told me you lost it. Can you remember where?"

Bilbo looked pained. "My ring?"

"Mae Govannen all!"

Elrond swept into the room, seating himself in between them.

Anberenien laughed nervously "Mae Govannen, Ada. You made me jump,"

Bilbo resumed his merry demeanour. "What a pleasant morning, Lord Elrond. Anberenien and I were just talking about....... what were we talking about, my dear?"

"We were discussing the Shire," replied Anberenien.

"Were you?" replied Elrond.

Anberenien finished her breakfast and returned to her chamber, and Elenye helped her dress for the day. Elrond appeared at the door and told Elenye she was needed in the kitchen. He then came into the chamber, closing the door behind him. "What were you really talking with Bilbo about this morning?" he asked abruptly.

Anberenien shrugged. "We were just talking about the Shire."

Elrond did not reply at first, but silently regarded her. "I think it would be wise if you remained in your chamber today."

"But I have a riding lesson."

"I will inform Elrohir of the postponement. But you are to remain here instead and I would like you to consider something. It is never advisable to be economical with the truth. Just as it is not advisable to misuse one's Will on one's friends. It can lead to a very dark path from which you might never return!" He then left the room, closing the door behind him. Anberenien sank down on her bed. She felt as though a knot had formed in her stomach, knowing she had done something to displease him.

For the rest of the day, she remained in her chamber as instructed. She read her books and Elenye assisted her with some embroidery. That evening, as Anberenien prepared for bed. Elrond returned with a glass goblet in his hand. "I thought this might help you sleep better tonight."

"Hot milk? You haven't brought that since I was little."

Elrond set the goblet down on the nearby table. "I was getting a drop myself and I thought you might like some, too. Best drink up before it gets cold." There was something in the way he spoke that made her uneasy.

"Is something wrong, Ada?"

Elrond smiled and shook his head. "Nothing is wrong.

Anberenien stared at the goblet, sensing there was more than just milk within. It shattered as soon as she did so. Both stood in silence as the warm milk spread over the table and the steam from it slowly evaporated. Elrond grabbed a nearby linen towel and hurriedly tried to mop up the mess. "Oh dear, I should have put it in a more suitable container."

Anberenien eyes narrowed. "You put something in it, didn't you!"

"Only a little Valerian root, Anberenien. You have been irritable of late and Bilbo told me you had been struggling to sleep. I thought a few nights of dreamless rest might restore you."

"Then why did you not tell me?"

Elrond closed his eyes for a moment. "I mean you no harm. Anberenien, I was just trying to protect you."

"Protect me from what?"

Elrond looked at her seriously. "Anberenien, I must ask you some important questions. I hope you will answer truthfully. Who have you been speaking with.......... in your dreams?"

Anberenien felt the heat of embarrassment flare up on her cheeks and shook with anger. "You have been spying on my dreams?"

"No, not exactly. But I too have a connection to the unseen and I know someone has been trying to reach out to you."

The unseen. Panic set in as Anberenien remembered her conversation with Mairon and how he had urged her to question Bilbo. Then a memory of sitting on her father's lap and listening to his tales flashed into her mind."And the brave and Valiant Isildur cut the ring from the Dark Lord's finger and he was defeated!"

Terrified, she sank to her hands and knees, tears streaming down her face. Mairon had deceived her. "The Dark Lord!....... The ring!.......... He said we were friends and helped me remember who I am. He said he needed me to help him! "

She felt Elrond's hand upon her head, his kiss upon her brow. "It is alright Anberenien. Many more powerful than you have been seduced and corrupted by his honeyed words."

Anberenien sat back on her heels, her face awash with tears. "Am I....corrupted now?"

Elrond smiled and shook his head. "There is a big difference between being deceived and being corrupted. But there will be consequences. Never before has evil been able to enter this sanctuary. Now it looks to find a way. And I have a duty to protect you and others from it. I must seek counsel from Mithrandir and others on what should be done." He helped Anberenien back to her feet and embraced her. Now why don't you go to bed? I will send Elenye in with another drink."

"Will it have Valerian root in it?"

Elrond looked slightly embarrassed. "I think that will be for the best, Anberenien. If the Dark Lord realises you know the truth, he may well take his revenge upon you. We shall talk again in the morning when you are feeling calmer." He kissed her good night and left her chamber.

Anberenien stood in utter despair. She felt sick to the pit of her stomach over what she had done to Bilbo, and foolish for being deceived by the Dark Lord. Instead of getting into bed, she went to the window and watched the Elves happily making their way to the Hall of Fire. Their joyful hymn to Elbereth floated out of the hall up into the stars. "I cannot stay here. If I do, I might betray them all. Díhen- nin Elbereth, I did not know," she whispered.