Aragorn: 8 years old

Once Hokel and Aragorn came out of the forest, they were surrounded by an enormous field of brown grass. Aragorn's mouth hung open in a smile as he stared at the sight around him.

There were mountains in the far distance and the grassy field that looked as if it continued for miles and miles around them. He would have loved only to run through the valley as fast as he could at that very moment. There was also a river that could be seen flowing silently throw the valley.

He felt free as the strong cold wind blew on his face. The wind caught the inside of his hood and it flew back into Hokel's face. Aragorn quickly put his hood back over his head as he remembered Elrond's warning about watching eyes that could be anywhere. He knew he was being hunted and didn't want to be caught. Aragorn wasn't exactly sure what was hunting him, but he would probably know when it came.

Hokel had one hand gently gripping Moonbeams mane and his other arm was protectively around Aragorn's stomach. He lowered his face down and said into Aragorn's ear,

"That river over there is called the Burinen River. It's the same river that flows through Rivendell,"

Aragorn nodded and asked,

"Which direction are we going?"

"We are heading southeast,"

"Are we going over those mountains?" Aragorn asked as he pointed to the east.

"Indeed we are. They are known as the Misty Mountains,"

Aragorn assumed the mountains were called that because mist would form at the base of them. That's exactly what he saw was happening and it looked beautiful with the extra feature of the grass at the bottom.

It was a quiet night and the air was a perfect coolness that brought fresh air to Aragorn and Hokel. Aragorn was getting tired, but didn't want to miss a single part of his short journey to Lothlorien. He decided he would stay awake at least until the sun came up and he could see the sunrise over the mountains. He imagined it to be a beautiful sight.

-----

About twelve hours past and finally Aragorn could see the sun come up from behind the mountains they were about to go over. The sky had turned a beautiful pink and purple mixed. The sun was coming up fast and it chased all the shadows away. There was a bright smile on Aragorn's face as they continued to ride on.

Moonbeam started climbing up the Misty Mountains. They weren't too tall and the mountain was hardly rocky. Moonbeam slowed down a bit as she climbed the mountain.

"After we get around this mountain, you will see rivers and a large field much like the one we were just on," Hokel explained, "You will also see Lorien far, far out in the distance. It is surrounded by woods," Hokel was surprised Aragorn had stayed awake all night.

Aragorn was excited to see what was beyond the mountain. Once they got to the top he would feel as if he were on top of the highest point of Middle Earth.

It took about twenty minutes for Moonbeam to reach the top of the mountain. As she got to the top, Hokel brought her to a stop. Aragorn gaped at the wonderful sight before him. The sun was brightly shining in his eyes, but he could still make out a number of beautiful things.

Hokel was right. Aragorn saw rivers and the great field down below. As he squinted, he could barely see what looked like a bunch of trees far, far out in the distance. Aragorn assumed Hokel could see Lorien a lot better than he since he had the brilliant eyesight of an Elf.

"Are you hungry?" Hokel asked Aragorn.

"Yes," Aragorn said.

"Here, take this," Hokel rummaged through the sack around his waist and brought out a small brown bag. He handed the brown bag to Aragorn.

Aragorn unwrapped it and looked at the food. He had never seen anything like it.

"What is it?" he asked.

Hokel smiled and explained,

"It is called a pastry. Elves don't eat them, but I hear humans, such as you, love them. It is said they are filled with sweet jelly and smooth cream inside of the bread on top. Try it,"

Aragorn reached into the bag and took out the pastry. He smelt it before taking a bit. Hokel was right; there was jelly and cream in the center of the bread. This was the best thing Aragorn had ever tasted in his life!

"It's amazing!" Aragorn said as he chewed.

"Really? That's great. I made it myself," Hokel said proudly.

"Just for me?"

"Of course. If you want I can make more of them when we get back to Rivendell," Hokel offered.

"Thank you, Hokel. I would appreciate that," Aragorn said and took another bite.

The cream and jelly blended together smoothly in his mouth making Aragorn even happier.

"Shall we go?" Hokel asked.

Aragorn nodded and took the last bite of the small pastry. It left his hands a little sticky, but that was okay. It was worth it. Hokel allowed Moonbeam to lick Aragorn's fingers, which made the child laugh.

After that, Hokel commanded Moonbeam to go down the mountain, and she did. Aragorn leaned back as they both went forward down the hill. This side of the Misty Mountains was a lot steeper than the other side. Moonbeam went even slower so she wouldn't slip.

Hokel kept his eyes set behind them, in front of him, to both sides of him, and everywhere. He kept his ears open and his Elf senses awake and alert. Elrond had given him strict orders to not let Aragorn get caught. Hokel was very fond of the young boy and didn't want him getting caught either.

Aragorn and Hokel kept going on with Moonbeam trotting along. Everything seemed so perfect, yet Hokel felt something evil not too far away. The worst was to come for all three companions. And whatever it was, it would strike at nightfall. The cover of darkness was always the prime time for an ambush.