*Setting: In a hidden Dunedin camp in the middle of the woods

*Aragorn: 4 years old

It was raining outside and Arathorn and Gilraen were inside their room safe from the poor weather outside. Arathorn was holding his son, Aragorn, on his lap while he read him a book. Aragorn had turned four a couple days ago, and he had a loving and supportive family. Everybody in the village adored Arathorn's family.

Gilraen was in the small kitchen making supper for her family. She was just finishing up as Arathorn was finishing up the story to Aragorn. Gilraen set the table for supper as Aragorn called out,

"More! Papa, more book!" he giggled as his father lifted him off his feet and twirled him around.

"We can read more later, my child. Are you hungry?" Arathorn asked and set Aragorn on the floor.

Aragorn nodded as he smiled happily. He reached for the book on the table and very slowly walked it back to the book shelf close by. Then he ran back to his father's arms.

"Come sit down," Gilraen said and sat in her chair.

Arathorn lifted Aragorn back onto his lap and then both sat down at the table. Before they could start eating, there was a knock at the door.

"Expecting someone?" Gilraen asked and looked to her husband.

He shook his head and stood up. He handed Aragorn off to his wife and went to the door. He unlocked it and opened it a crack so he could see out. As he looked out he saw Elladan and Elrohir at his door step. They were Lord Elrond's sons from the Elf kingdom, Rivendell.

"Welcome, my friends," Arathorn said and gave each of the Elf princes a hug, "What brings you to us this night? How is your father Lord Elrond? And the lady Arwen?"

"Our father and sister are doing well, my Lord," said Elladan, "It was Elrond who sent us hither in haste. Orcs are increasing in numbers from the north and the east of Taurdal. Their numbers are greater than they have been seen in years,"

From behind his brother, Elrohir added, "Even now they move relentlessly forward towards the north most parts of the Dunedain villages. It will not be long before danger presses once more onto your boarders,"

"For this reason, our father sends grave counsel," finished Elladan.

"What counsel?" Arathorn asked.

Before either Elf could reply, Gilraen stepped out from behind Arathorn and said,

"Is everything alright?"

Arathorn startled and turned around to her and said,

"Go eat, I will be there in a moment,"

Gilraen obeyed and left without seeing who the visitors were. Arathorn turned back to the Elf princes and let them continue.

"He urges you to send your wife and son to Rivendell for safekeeping, and for you Arathorn, to lead the Dunedain by secret ways to others lands and flee this danger,"

Arathorn looked down not comprehending what he had just heard. He couldn't leave his beloved wife and son.

"It is late, we will speak more of this matter in the morning," Arathorn said and took a deep breath, "Let us find you someplace to rest,"

Arathorn let the Elf princes into his home and led them to a far room in his house that guests normally used. He saw Gilraen and Aragorn at the table eating. Aragorn was taking spoonful after spoonful of soup with a wide grin spread across his face.

Gilraen looked up to her husband and the Elves in shock. Arathorn put up a hand to silence her for now.

"I will consider your words," Arathorn told Elladan and Elrohir once they got settled into the room, "And take thought of my people,"

"Let your decision not be long lasted, my Lord. With every moment that passes, more danger draws near," Elladan said calmly.

Arathorn nodded and said he understood.

"Rest well, my Lords," then Arathorn shut the door and went to go speak with his wife.

-----

After Aragorn, had fallen asleep in Gilraen's arms, Arathorn told her everything that had happened. Gilraen lay Aragorn down on one of the small couches and watched him peacefully sleep.

"Do not say it!" Gilraen said as she took her eyes to Arathorn, "I cannot be parted from you,"

"It is wise council, Gilraen," Arathorn tried reasoning with her, "If danger closes in on us again, you and Aragorn must be protected,"

Gilraen shook her head stubbornly, but her husband continued,

"All the Chieftains of the Dunedain have been fostered for a time in Elrond's halls. I myself have spent many years there as a child,"

"I will not leave you. I will not," Gilraen stopped talking as she choked on her words.

Arathorn leaned over and took her in his arms giving her a hug.

-----

The next morning Arathorn had given his word to protect his village, but not to leave it. Arathorn, Elladan, Elrohir, and a couple other Dunedain members were surrounded around a map. They were all thinking of a plan to somehow fight off the Orcs through traps and fighting them off.

As they were all discussing what to do, a member from the Dunedain broke through the door and screamed,

"They are upon us, Orcs everywhere. They will be here in seconds!"

Arathorn's heart raced facer.

"Take arms! Fight!" he shouted and all the Rangers inside the building took arms.

That included Elladan and Elrohir as well taking up their bows. Arathorn ran outside first and ran straight into Gilraen.

"Where's Aragorn?" he said not seeing his son with his wife.

She looked behind her, but he was not there. She looked around in a panic.

"My lady!" someone called from behind her.

Gilraen and Arathorn turned and saw one the Dunedain ladies holding their son. He was alert and looked scared. He swiveled his head to look at the oncoming Orcs that were jetting in from the near trees. Gilraen took Aragorn in her own arms and shielded his eyes from the enemy.

"Thank you, thank you," Gilraen whispered to the women who had found him.

"Get to the Hall!" Arathorn shouted, "Women and children, to the Hall!"

Then Arathorn, the Rangers, and the two Elf twins ran for the Orcs to fight.

A/N: Already a battle!