Chapter I

Aelyth awoke with a start. She was sweating and her head was pounding. She tried to remember where she was but could not. She always lost her memory after these dreams. Yes these dreams, there had been several. Aelyth got up and looked around. She remembered; I am in Rohan. But why was she in Rohan? Then she remembered. She had been one of the few Elves left in Middle-Earth. Aelyth had left Rivendell with Legolas and Gimli. They had come to Rohan and King Éomer had invited them to stay for a while. Aelyth looked in the mirror. Her face was unchanged was unchanged except for the look of fear in her deep blue-gray eyes. She hadn't had one of her dreams, visions, in a long time. She touched her long blonde hair and found it was soaked with sweat. The young Elf walked onto the balcony of her room. She looked out over Edoras and Rohan. Her window looked westwards, into the mountains. Aelyth saw many horses grazing in a wide, green field. She recalled what Legolas had told her: 'Rohan is Old-Elvish for land of the horses.' She walked back to her bed and lay down. Sleep did not coem to her that night.

Chapter II

Legolas stood in the garden of Edoras. He saw Aelyth walking down the flagstone path. 'I did not see you at breakfast. Where were you?' He asked her. 'I did not feel well.' Aelyth said quietly and cast her eyes downwards. Legolas saw the sadness in his friend's eyes. He decided that is was not wise to ask her about it at that moment. The two Elves walked noiselessly down the path and into the field. Legolas saw a small yellow flower growing in the grass. An elanor. He picked it and handed it to Aelyth. At her touch the flower shriveled up and died. With a gasp she dropped the dead flower. 'It is as I thought.' Legolas said as he picked up the flower. Aelyth looked at him with great confusion in her. 'What was the happiest moment in your life?' He asked to her surprise. Aelyth smiled. 'The day I met you. When you came back to Rivendell.' She said. 'Now latch onto that memory and don't forget it.' Legolas said. They both remembered it very well. Legolas had ridden into Rivendell with his good friend, Gimli the Dwarf. Aelyth had been sitting in the garden, with a sadness upon her, for her parents had left Middle-Earth for Valinor on the other side of the sea. She had not left for she still loved Middle-Earth and could not bear to part with it. When Legolas had seen her, he had fallen instantly in love with the beautiful Elf. As Aelyth was recalling the moment, Legolas slipped the flower into her hand. The flower's yellow petals stretched out and regained their colour. 'You have the gift to give life,' Legolas said slowly 'But you can also take it and that is a dangerous gift that no one in the history of Middle-Earth has had. We must tell King Éomer.' Aelyth got up without a word and followed Legolas to the Throne Room. As they reached the door, a servant called into the room. 'Lord Legolas and Lady Aelyth of the Elves to see you my Lord.' He said. The servant led them in and King Éomer dismissed him. 'What is it that brings you before me today?' Asked the King. Before Legolas could reply Aelyth answered him. 'It is I. We believe there is some special power that I have been given that may be dangerous to me, and to other…' Aelyth said. Legolas explained what had happened in the field. As Aelyth listened she began to feel fear well up inside her. A dark pounding fear. She began to feel faint and would have dropped to the ground had Legolas not touched her arm and asked if she was all right. She shook herself. 'Yes, fine.' She answered in a shaky voice. 'Has anything strange happened to you lately Aelyth,' Asked an old man who was seated beside King Éomer 'Any signs, omens. A dream perhaps.' She looked straight into his pale-green eyes and saw an understanding like none other. He knew what she was thinking, it was evident. Aelyth bit her lip to keep from screaming at the horrible memory of her dreams. 'Yes,' Her voice faltered as she answered 'I see things dying everywhere, Elves, Dwarves, Men, everything… and… and a great firey eye, looking at me. Trying to see inside me.' At this point. Aelyth could not take the memories, visions, that were flashing through her mind as she remembered. She let out no cry but fell silently to the floor.

Chapter III

When Aelyth awoke she found Legolas and the old man standing beside her. She was still in the Throne Room. King Éomer was talking to a man clad in the armor of Gondor. 'Drink this.' The old man said. He poured a light, sweet wine down her throat that eased the pain in her head and brought her memory back. Legolas helped her up and she steadied herself. Aelyth looked over at the man talking to the King. He kept glancing curiously over at her and was obviously very interested in what had happened to her. Legolas touched her arm gently and told her why the man was there. 'He is a messenger from Minas Tirith. King Aragorn is very ill,' He said 'His Healers do not even know what is ailing him. They need Meragrin to go to Minas Tirith to try and heal him.' Aelyth figured that the old man was Meragrin. 'I'm coming as well,' She said decidedly 'I can heal King Aragorn, it may be hard but I shan't give up' 'You are not well, you cannot go that far!' Said Legolas. 'No Legolas, she could save the King, she must come.' Meragrin said and turned. 'I shall go and so shall the Lady Aelyth.' He continued. 'She shall go nowhere without me,' Said Legolas 'And Lord Gimli of the Dwarves shall wish to come for he is restless and tires of staying in one place.' 'Then it is settled,' said King Éomer 'Meragrin, Lord Legolas, Lady Aelyth and Lord Gimli shall go to Minas Tirith with a small escort of Men. You shall leave at once!' Then he turned to the Gondorian messenger. 'We have lodging for you if you wish it. You must be tired after your long journey.' He said. The Gondorian messenger shook himself and looked over at Aelyth. 'I am fine to leave with them for I wish not to be very far from my King at his time of suffering.' He said. King Éomer shrugged and told the servant to escort them to their rooms to prepare. 'Bring a sword,' Legolas said quietly to Aelyth 'You may need it… I am not sure.' Aelyth entered her room and threw on her travelling cloak. A servant came in and handed her a sword. She looked at the blade. It was not an excellent sword but would do for this trip. She went down to the stables where she found her horse, SongWind, waiting for her. The horse nuzzled her hand affectionately, and she mounted. 'Ride swiftly and be careful,' Said King Éomer 'If the Orcs find out that King Aragorn is ill they may dare to come out of hiding. Farewell.' With that the company spurred their horses on and started riding eastwards along the mountains.

Chapter IV

Aelyth looked up at the starry sky. It was unsettling. She didn't think that their small company was alone. They were camped at Mering Stream and had about a day's ride until they reached Minas Tirith. Aelyth had right to be restless for as she sat there, she heard footsteps, running at a distance. 'Someone is coming.' She said in a flat, even tone which awoke the whole company. As Legolas sat up he could hear it as well, but the two Elves were the only ones capable of hearing the far-off sound. Aelyth drew her sword and Legolas pulled an arrow from his quiver. Following their example the Men of the company drew their swords as well. Even the horses were restless. As Aelyth helped Meragrin up she looked into the distance. Elves had very good sight and she searched the horizon but it was still so far away that she had to squint. 'What do you see?' Asked Meragrin. 'Orcs." Aelyth murmured. She could feel the fright in the company. They were many younger Men who had never seen battle and were scared and the ones who had fought before were still just as afraid. 'At least one hundred strong.' Said Legolas without fright. Soon enough the rest of the company could see the oncoming Orcs. Aelyth's head started pounding and she saw more visions. Visions of a battle between Men and many Orcs. Many of the men were dying. She them recognized Men from their company killing and being killed. The messenger from Gondor fell with an arrow in his chest. Aelyth let out a small cry as she saw something that drove pain into her heart. It was a vision of Legolas. She saw him die. 'He should never die!' She thought through tears. She put out her hand and felt him at her side. The visions ceased but the pain remained and tears still ran down her face. The Orcs came on fast. They fought well but even the small company could overthrow them. Aelyth saw much of what she had seen in her visions. Legolas fought bravely at her side, but the memory of her last vision still worried her. She looked over at him and saw what he did not. There was a strong Orc coming at him from behind. Aelyth turned and slashed at the him with her sword but unluckily the Orc was close enough to deal Legolas a blow across the arm. Aelyth advanced in fury upon the Orc and killed him. There was not many Orcs living and those who were, fled. When she was sure they were all gone, Aelyth ran to Legolas' side but had to hold back from touching him for she did not want her power to be used against him. His arm was cut deeply and anyone could see the pain on his usually brave face. 'Someone find a comfortable place for him to lie.' Said Meragrin. Aelyth was too overcome with grief to do anything at all. 'I… saw it coming.' She said and repeated it over and over. She looked around her through tear-blurred eyes and saw a young Man from Rohan lying dead a few feet from her. Then there was the Gondorian messenger who was lying, gravely wounded, near her feet. She knelt down and looked at him sadly. 'Tell my brother to…' Said the messenger and he paused to wince in pain 'be brave and take care of… mother and sister.' Aelyth looked at his pained face. 'I can help him.' She thought. She tried to push the dark thoughts out of her mind, but could not. She let out a frustrated sight. She cried. She had the power to heal him but could not use it. As she sat there a white light appeared in her mind's eye. It seemed to push away the thoughts and then she saw the scene of the Legolas had come to Rivendell. Aelyth bit her lip and grabbed the messenger's hand. It felt like something was being drained from her. In the distance she heard a voice. It was haunting and magical yet she could not hear what it said. Just as it was getting closer and clearer the Gondorian messenger moved and the white light was gone. So was the voice. Tears welled up in her eyes as she saw that his wounds were healed and he was breathing normally. 'He's alive!' She said between tears. Legolas came up behind her. His arm was bandaged and the pain was gone from his face. 'You saved him. It was your gift.' He said. Aelyth jumped up and threw her arms around him. The messenger got up shakily. 'I was dead… You… saved me.' He said, unable to find any other words. He shook his head in confusion. 'My name is Bertherem,' He said 'And I am forever indepted to you.' Aelyth looked up and down the battlefield. Legolas touched her arm with his good hand. 'There is no time to heal them all,' He said 'Dawn is breaking. We must get to Minas Tirith.' Mounting SongWind, she looked back towards Rohan and thought of all the families who would hear of the deaths of their loved ones. Guilt was heavy upon her heart but Aelyth knew that she had to save King Aragorn

Chapter V

Aelyth could see Minas Tirith in the distance. The guilt had soon passed, for the company had decided to go slowly for the wounded and Gimli had kept them all entertained with jokes and stories. The sky was just darkening and Legolas had come to the conclusion that they would reach the stone walls shortly after dark. The company set their horses at a faster pace and reached the gate at the presumed time. 'It is good you are here so soon,' The guard said 'The Healers have reported that King Aragorn's condition is getting worse.' He opened up the gate and Bertherem saluted him. Aelyth and Meragrin set their horses at a run down the marble paved streets. They reached the Houses of Healing and saw many people sitting on the steps, praying for their King. SongWind reared and Aelyth saw a small boy running right in front of her horse. She slid down and knelt beside him. She smiled and he looked at her curiously. 'Be attentive and no harm shall come to thee.' She said. The boy was looking at her with we now, for she seemed to glow with a brilliance that was anything but mortal. She began to climb the stairs but stopped when she heard the little boy talking to a girl who must have been his sister. 'She's beautiful,' said the little girl 'but who is she?' 'She's an Elf, like Queen Arwen. And she's my Elf, for she spoke to me.' Said the little boy stubbornly. As she heard that, Aelyth spun round and spoke in a voice very unlike her own. 'I belong to no one!' She said. She saw the stunned looks on the faces of the two children and the surrounding people and she ran inside the stone building. When she got inside she looked around the small room and saw King Aragorn lying motionless on the bed. Queen Arwen was at his side and she looked as if she were holding back tears. Legolas walked over to Aelyth. 'His condition is much worse and is beyond the skill of Meragrin. You are the King's only hope.' He said 'Then he has not much hope.' Said Aelyth looking downcast. 'But this is for your sake as well,' Legolas urged her on 'If King Aragorn is healed we may find out where you got your power. You must save him.' 'Only if the Healers leave.' She said. Legolas quickly ushered the Healers out of the room. Arwen stood reluctantly up and let the other Elf take her chair. Aelyth looked sadly at King Aragorn. She closed her eyes but, like the last time, she could not push the thoughts from her head. Then the white light appeared and then came the whispers. This time she could make hear the voice clearly. 'Nenya, Nenya…' It murmured. Nenya was one of the three Elven rings of power: The ring of Adamant. Through the white light, Aelyth saw a face appearing. The face of Galadriel, lady of light. 'Nenya,' Galadriel whispered 'For that is who you truly are.' At these words, Aelyth felt her hands grasp those of King Aragorn. 'I am keeper of Nenya, the ring, but you are the keeper of it's power.' Galadriel said 'Therefore, it is my duty to help you do what you have been destined to do.' Aelyth felt the strength being drained from her. 'You are the first of three Elves remaining in Middle-Earth to discover their gift.' Galadriel continued 'You must save King Aragorn and you must find Narya and Vilya. Farewell Nenya of Adamant.' When Galadriel finished speaking, Aelyth felt movement underneath her hands as King Aragorn grasped them. 'He's alive!' Exclaimed Arwen. With that, the vision of Galadriel vanished, but not before Aelyth saw the lady of light lift her hand and on her finger was Nenya. The ring wrought of mithril, that bore a single white stone flickering like a frosty star. Aelyth had no strength left in her body and she slipped into a calm sleep.

Chapter VI

Aelyth awoke and found herself in a large bed. Legolas was sitting, asleep, in a chair near her and a Healer was dabbing water on her forehead. 'You are awake.' The old woman said, and smiled. 'There are many people outside who wish to thank you for saving their King but Queen Arwen has requested to speak with you. She is in the next room.' Aelyth picked herself up with great difficulty, for she was still quite tired, and went to the last room of the hall. 'Good morning Aelyth.' Said Arwen 'I hope you have slept well.' 'Yes,' Aelyth answered 'Very well.' 'I have something to give you, in thanks for saving my husband.' Arwen said. Aelyth tried to say it that was not necessary but the Queen stopped her. 'It is necessary.' She said. From behind her she pulled a long, curved scabbard. She drew a beautiful blade from it and handed it to Aelyth. 'This is Hadhafang, throng-cleaver. It belonged to the Elven princess Idril who bore my grandfather, Earendil.' Arwen said 'My father wielded it during the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. It is now yours, Nenya of Adamant.' Aelyth looked at the blade that Elrond Half-Elven had once wielded and did not even bother to ask Arwen how she knew of her true name. 'Aen estar Hadhafang i chathol hen, thand arod dan i thang an i arwen,' Aelyth read the Elven script on the blade 'This blade is called Hadhafang, a noble defense against the enemy throng for a noble lady.' She translated. 'You must find Narya and Vilya as soon as you can. For if you don't and their powers aren't overcome as yours have been, the future of Middle-Earth could be in danger again.' Arwen locked gazes with Aelyth and she knew immediately what she had to do.

Chapter VII

Aelyth left Arwen's room and went to wake Legolas. Hadhafang was in it's scabbard and hanging at her hip. 'Legolas, I must leave!' She said and shook him hard. Shaking his head, he awoke. 'What is it?' He asked 'I must leave!' Aelyth said againg and quickly explained the visions of Galadriel and what Arwen had told her. 'It is my destiny. You should not have to come with me as well.' She said 'Go to Valinor with Gimli. I will come when I have found them.' 'I wouldn’t let you do something like this alone, I am coming as well. Aminmela llie.' Legolas said and took Aelyth's hand in his. 'Aminmela llie.' She said and smiled at him with gratitude.