Brianna was still confused but Galdriel floated out of her room before she could ask her questions. She didn't quite understand what she meant about happiness and fullfillment if she didn't stray from her path, for she still wasn't too sure about her path as it was. She would stay, though, with Lac and the others as she had nowhere else to go now anyway. They would reach her home village soon, and then, maybe, her questions would be answered.

Orthagren patted the heavy horn of the great black ram as it chewed on the succulent grass of the meadows east of the Golden Wood. Further to the east, the gentle rolling landscape descended to the Great River Anduin, so vast that the other side was lost in a grey haze to his eyes. Behind him the sun was setting behind Lothlorien, the amber light flashing off of the glimmering mithreal shirt gifted to him by the Lady Galadriel. When she had gifted to him such a precious prize to a Dwarf, he had not the words to express his gratitude but he felt the she would know how much her gesture meant to him and his people. Touching his hand to the medallion about his neck he traced his finger round the silver axe then the emerald leaf of the Elves and vowed that would carry her trust to the Orocarni and forever would the Quenya people be welcome at their fire.

The Dwarf, turned and found the Phaeirie of Ranslath, was now standing next to him, his long golden orange hair ablaze in the orange glow of dusk. His eyes, two radiant lilac gems peered eastward, gazing far beyond what the Dwarf could perceive. "Beyond the river and steppe lands there is a forest." he stated.

"Aye." Agreed the Dwarf, "Long ago t'was called Dol Guldur, Master Sorrelwind. A foul place, it was first the home of Silvan Elves until He returned and drove them north to the Mountains of Mirkwood. Centuries passed and at long last the White Council mustered the courage and waged war on Dol Guldur and they drove Sauron out." Orthagren paused to spit the foulness of the cursed name out of his mouth before continuing, "The second in command to the Nazgul yet remained even after the Dark Lord fled to Mordor, and it was Galadriel of Lorien leading the Elves of Mirkwood that at last took it back and renamed it once more, Amon Lanc, and remains so to this day."

Sorrelwind nodded his thanks for the story. "You make a fine story teller." he complimented and the Dwarf merely scoffed as he turned and looked westward, searching for signs of the others.

Orthagren and the Deithir had set out early and decided to await the others on the outside of Lorthlorien. Neither of them knew which direction Lord Oradreth planned to choose, perhaps Amon Lanc or further south across the Brown Lands, so they patiently waited.

Jack nodded to Brianna as she left to gather her belongings. He only had his weapons so there wasn't anything for him to retrieve. Once Brianna had left Jack returned to the stream, kneeling beside the water. He reaches down to touch his reflection and focuses on the ripples that it causes. "I know you're here. Show yourself, assassin."

A cold wind blows through the trees as Lazarus appears on the other side of the stream. "Do you finally remember who I am and what you did to me?" Anger burns in the man's eyes as he stares down at Jack.

Looking up at him, Jack nods. "I do indeed. The longer I stay on this plane the more I remember." Jack stands now to face his nemesis. "You deserved your fate, Lazarus. The innocent lives you took and misery you caused cried out for justice."

Anger turns to rage as two blades are drawn and pointed at Jack. "And who were you to judge me? I was given a job to do and I did it. Same as you. At least I know why I do what I do. Can you say the same thing?"

Jack stares at Lazarus for a moment. The swords pointed at him from across the small stream do not seem to bother him at all. "I cannot." The two men continue to stare at each other, neither moving until Lazarus finally starts to fade away. "We will see each other very soon, Jack. Next time you will die and I shall recieve my freedom. And my vengeance."

A statuesque female figure emerged from the woods as the other who existed between worlds faded from sight. Her red hair, aflame in the setting sun accentuated the rage in her eyes as she cast her defiant gaze upon the one called, Lazarus. Behind her appeared her husband, an arrow notched in his white Elven bow, but already he had lowered its point to the earth as the menace left of his own accord.

Nevtherra glared at Lazarus. "You shall not return to this place!" She ordered, "The Lady of these woods is mistress of all in this place and she can close the door to your ghostly realm at will! Be gone!"



The enchantress' face softened and molded once more into her serene porcelain-like masque. She turned and nodded her thanks to her husband, Hísleverya and the Elf relaxed his bow, though, keeping an arrow notched as he glanced over at Jack Rose.

"With time returns your memories, 'One Named Rose'." Spoke the Lady Nevtherra, "My Mistress Galadriel and I know well your plight, but our advice would only cloud thine sight." she recited poetically. She then looked to the east, her eyes staring beyond the world around them. "Two of your companions, await at the edge of Lothlorien and the others shall soon embark to join them. Go now Jack Rose. We shall not see you in this place again as you are now. Only time now can reveal your purpose. Fare thee well."

Nevetherra and her husband bowed, then melted into the forest, leaving the ghostwalker to his own counsel.

Sorrelwind and Orthagren bowed humbly before the Elven Queen until she vanished from their sight and senses and as they rose, the Deithir spun the Elven-blade in his hand expertly, it's edge gleaming the fading light of day.

"Careful laddie, or you'll be trimmin' one o' those points off o' ye ears." Commented the Dwarf.

With deft speed, the Phaerie, thrust the blade toward the Othargren's belly and with it's tip flicked one of his throwing axes into the air. Sorrelwind watched the taboo hovering before his gaze and though reluctant at first snatched it with his free hand and held it firm. His flaming eyes, looked on with amazement as he continued to grasp the iron weapon with no ill effects, but then realizing that even though he suffered not the pain, he still disobeyed the Will of the Aelaeydium and quickly returned the weapon to the grumbling Dwarf.

Sorrelwind raised 'Protector' high, and studied it's Elven inscription, a language so unlike his own and yet their peoples were similar in many ways. A most treasured gift, but one that could never be allowed to pass into his own lands. "Aelaeydia be merciful." He prayed, then sheathed the blade on his belt.

Othargren, sat down on a fallen tree and laid his axe beside him. "So tell me of ye tale, Master Sorrelwind?" He asked.

The Deithir smiled and moved silently to the Dwarf's side. They had some time before the others would arrive and so he told him of his origins and of how he met and came into the service of Lord Oradreth.

Brianna laid down on the plush bed, resting as Galadriel had bid, waiting for the Elven Queen to notify her that everyone was ready to leave this beautiful place.

Sliding the necklace over her head, she looked at the black horse with the white mane and tail, running her fingers over it softly, admiring the craftmanship of the beautiful pendant. It truly did represent her dual heritage.

Putting the necklace back on, she thought about the blond she'd seen in the pond. He'd never paid attention to her before, so why did she see him and why did she see Jack.

Rolling over onto her side, she was still so confused, but her father's words came to her and she smiled.

"Brianna, do not fret over things that you cannot change right at this moment. If you do not know the answers, then be patient. The answers will be revealed when the time is right and you are ready to know."

Sighing deeply, she decided that this was exactly what she should do, be patient and rested.

Brianna followed the elven child, once again, admiring the beauty of this place, the peace that was all around her. She would miss it here.

Seeing Tiphereth and Othagren, she smiled a thank you at the elven girl and walked over to the two men.

Looking around her, after greeting both men, she took in the beauty that would soon be behind them. It was as if she was trying to soak in as much of the peacefulness as she could before resuming their journey.

"I will miss this place, it's beauty, the people."

Fingering the horse pendant, her thoughts once again strayed to the blond Rohan rider. She wondered if he would be joining their journey soon, if that was what Galadriel had meant. If so, she wondered if he would notice her now that she was grown. When she'd left the village, she'd been a girl who was not yet a woman. Now, she was a woman grown.

Giving herself a mental slap, she mentally chided herself for such thoughts. There were more important things at hand than whether or not he would notice her if he did indeed join their quest.

Turning, she once again looked at Tiphereth and Orthagren, smiling at them.

"I will miss this place, but am anxious to be on our way."

Lac knelt at the memorial to his mother with his head bowed …… “Mother, this task that fate has set before me is larger and more daunting than any I have undertaken. I ask for you grant me your strength to see it through. If it be destined I should fall I pray that you will welcome me to the White Shores of Grey Haven.”
He then leaned forward and kissed the stone and rose slowly. As he turned he saw Lady Galadrial and Lord Celeborn walking over to him. Lac immediately fell to one knee and bowed his head in respect.

Galadriel placed her first and second fingers to her lips and said ……. “Rise Lac’Nala Lord of Oron_D_Nar, protector and friend to all of Elfendom. I wish to have words with you before you leave our lands.” She then motioned for him to follow them as they walked into a garden. “Do not concern yourself with your possessions. They shall be taken to the place where your companions await you. …..” Galadriel said.
They walked into a silken tent pavilion and Lord Celeborn walked over to a bench and picked up a long object wrapped in a fine silk cloth with a golden banner with silver runes upon it. She turned and said to Lac’Nala: “Hold out your hands son of Aleria and Dartanion deceased Queen and King of Oron_D_Naar, Know that they and all that have traveled across the great sea await you with open arms on the White Shores of the Gey Haven.” He said.

As Lac held up his hands Lord Celeborn placed the object in his hand then removed the cloth. Resting in Lac’s hand was an ebony sheath Elven long sword.

“This is Narsil, made by Telchar of Nogrod, during the fourth century of the First Age. Narsil was broken in the War of the Last Alliance, with the fall of its wielder Elendil. Its burning light was lost, but Elendil's son Isildur used its broken shards to cut the Ruling Ring from Sauron's finger. The shards were eventually brought to Imladris, and they became an heirloom of the House of Isildur. During the War of the Ring, the sword was reforged, its light was rekindled, and it was borne by Elendil's distant descendant Aragorn, who renamed it Andúril.

Anduril, the sword of Aragon that was broken when he fell in the War of the Last Alliance. Its shards were returned to Arnor, where they were kept as an heirloom for three thousand years. It has been forged once again, the shards brought back to life. I know give you Lac’Nala the sword of your ancestors wield it with honor and justice. Bring light back to the world of darkness with this blade now named Jarluthusaytynisticelesta (Translation: Justice).

Lac reached out tentatively and grasped the pummel of the sword, drawing from its sheath. The blade caught the light and sent shards of light dancing across the walls if the tent. He held the blade up pointed towards the ceiling across the blade were runes of Elven Text that spelt the word Jarluthusaytynisticelesta along it’s length. Slipping the sword back in it’s sheath, Lac lifted the weapon and strapped the finely tooled black leather belt with the silver Elven rings around his waste. Bowing his head to Lady Galadrial and Lord Celeborn he said “I shall not bring shame to this blade, this I swear to you.” He then placed the fist of his right hand to his heart and bowed.

Galadriel said “Of that we never feared Lac’Nala now come we must join your companions, for they grow impatient and your journey must not be delayed. As they stepped out of the tent a young Elf stepped forward leading two horses. Lac’s eyes grew wide as Lightning nuzzled Lac’s face. Behind him stood Ssinjin’s horse. Lac looked at Galadriel and asked “But how?......They were left in the mines?”

Galadriel smiled and said “These two fine creatures arrived shortly before you and have been resting and regaining their until this day. Horses are being brought for you companions as well. For your journey is long.” Lady Galadrial, Lord Celeborn and the Elf Gaurd walked with Lac'Nala through the forest towars his companions.

Lac became overcome, realizing he was leaving the protected lands of his mothers people, perhaps to never see them again, by the solem beauty of his surroundings. Everything had a feeling of wintery age, as if nothing had changed under the ;eaves of the mighty trees for thousands of years and nothing ever would; time itself seemed to have fallen into a slumber from which it would never wake. after a quarter of a mile the forest thinned and breaks appeared within the canopy, allowing planks of mutted golden sunlight of the setting sun to filter its way to the forest floor and the first evening stars began to faintly speckle the deep blue darkening sky. They passed underneath two burled trees that leaned against each other and stooped at the edge of a glade.
The ground was strewn with dense patches of flowers. From pink roses to bluebells and lillies, sprin's fleeting treasure was heaped about like piles of rubies, saphires and opals. Their intoxicating aromas attracted hordes of bumblebees. To the right, a stream chuckled behind a fence of bushes, while a pair of squirrels chased each other around a rock. It looked like aplace where deer might bed for the night, and a Buck, a doe and twin fawns stood a short distance away watching intently. Ten paces ahead stood Tiphereth, Or, Brianna and another Elf gaurd. Then two more gaurds appeared leading six more horses, four were saddled and two were laden with supplies. They approached Lac's companions and stood silently.

Galadriel then stood in front of Lac and said "We go no further, Lac'Nal at this time. I give you the blessings of the Elves. Go in peace, may your path be safe and your journey successful." ... She then leaned forward and kissed Lac'Nala lightly on the forehead.The Elves faded into the forest as silently as thay had appeared, leaving Lac, his companions and the horses standing alone.

Lac then turned to the others and said "It is time we continue on." He then tied the lead of Ssinjin's horse to his saddle, mounted Lightning and moved out across the pain.

Jack came up behind the group, moving slowly at first but picked up his pace as they moved out across the plain. He stopped for a moment to look back at the forest home of the elves, knowing full well that he would not see this place again in his current state. He then looked to his new companions. The path that lay ahead would be the fullfillment of his destiny. The ghostwalker caught up to the others quickly, more determined than ever to uncover the secrets of his past and to learn more of this prophecy the spirits spoke of. They wouldn't get far when Jack stopped again rather suddenly. "There was a great battle here. The spirits of this place know me not as the ghostwalker but as a friend and comrade in arms. I remember this place." The flood of memories hit hard and Jack stumbled back a bit.

The army of men stood their ground as a massive army of orcs moved across the battlefield. Generals of both armies called for the attack and before long all were engaged in combat. Jack found himself reliving this battle all over again as he locked blades with one assailant after another. He was quite the swordsman back then but it was not enough as the orcs overran them quickly. Before long Jack found himself alone against an army. It was then that the orc leader slashed into his belly and Jack fell to the ground, dying.

Back in the real world Jack gripped his gut as he felt a slight burn in his abdomen. Lazarus appeared again, smiling. "Isn't it ironic? This is where it all began for you and now it is where it shall also end." The assassin drew his swords as he looked at his companions. Just as he was about to deliver the deadly blow Jack snapped out of his trance in time to dive to the side. He felt the sting as a blade cut into his arm but at least he would live. The two ghostwalkers now stared at each other.

Ssinjin and the small party of Elves traveled swiftly through the Golden Woods. Her companions never said a word but there was an unspoken respect they held for her and in turn, she held for them. While they may be from different worlds, right now, their enemy was the same and in the unity of trying to defeat this enemy, usual grudges were cast aside.

The party moved as silent as wraiths as they slithered through the forest. A few times they halted to listen to a noise someone had picked up on but soon after started their trek once more. It felt good for Jin to be back among the wildness and not in the structured city of the Elves. While she was grateful for the respite she had to admit she was eager to get back to something she liked better.

The Drowess had no trouble keeping up with the Elves guiding her to the farthest corner of their world. While she wasn’t as tall as they were, she proved herself quite capable of maintaining the same pace they did. No doubt they were testing her abilities to see if she could move about in this world as easily as she had in her own. Of course they didn’t know she had spent a good deal of time on the surface at the request of her Mother and the different missions she sent her daughter on.

When they reached the outer fringes of the Elves territory, the men traveling with her bid her farewell, wished her luck on the quest she and the others had taken on then faded back into the woods as though they were ghosts. Now, once more alone, the Drowess waited for the arrival of the others.

Taking to a nearby tree, Jin made herself comfortable. As the sun began to dip further and further into the horizon, she couldn’t help but wonder how Augustine and his wooden son, Adam, were fairing. The druid knew Adam was in serious trouble and had done the right thing by departing company with her and Lac when he did. Perhaps he returned to the place they had first met the Ranger. The humans there seemed genuinely concerned for the little boys well being.

With a deep sigh, Jin remembered what Verin had done to the druid and his monastery. There was no level her murderous, blasphemous brother would stoop to that was too low. He’d proved that by killing her Mother and Sisters. Nothing short of peeling the skin off his still live body then poking him with a white hot, iron rod would suit for his punishment. And she would make certain that happened.

A noise caught her attention and she quickly snapped her attention to the direction it was coming from. Something was moving closer to her position but she couldn’t tell if it were man or beast…or something else. Slowly pulling herself to her feet in the tree, she silently withdrew her bow from the endless pocket of her cloak, knocked a bolt and slowly pulled the taut string back. Feeling the feathery touch of her gloved fingertips on her cheek, she made ready to let the bolt fly the moment she found out it wasn’t a friend.

Please old friend do not shoot, I'm afraid I cannot bear any more holes in my robes.

Augustine stepped from the shadows and into the light, he knew damn well that the Drowess could sense his approach. He would have had zero chance of surprising her, even above ground.

I am pleased to see you, I have been searching for you and Lac'Nala for a few weeks, a vivid dream I had some nights ago foretold your passage through this wood. I traveled here soon after and have enjoyed living among the stout trees here in this old place. I have been meditating here for a few days hoping the dream was an accurate one. I see now it was a good turn to have faith.

Augustine smiled wide, and bowed slightly to the dark elf woman.

Jin blinked when she saw the familiar outline of Augustine’s form with her darksight. The sky was still holding onto the last bits of light before it lost the fight and night overtook the land so when the Druid stepped into one of the last remaining streaks of light in the woods, the Drowess recognized his frame and voice instantly.

Quickly lowering her bow and releasing the tension she had on the string, Jin tucked the weapon back into her cloak then reached up and pushed the hood of her cloak off her white head so her friend could see it was indeed her. With a small smile on her lips she easily dropped from the tree and walked over to greet the handsome Druid.

”Augustine……it has been too long, my friend. I am very glad to see you again. I see you are in very good health.”

Looking around for Adam, Jin gave the Druid a concerned look when her eyes lifted to hold his gaze once more.

”I do not see Adam. Has something happened to him? Please tell me that murdering bastard has not gotten to the wooden child.”

Augustine would see there was a subtle change in Jin as he stood watching her. Gone were the hard edges of her features and now they appeared to be more relaxed as did the rest of her and her cynical, hatefulness seemed to be replaced now with a more caring nature. Quite the contrary to the last time he had been in her company. Obviously something happened to bring about a change to the Drowess.

It brings me a lot of joy to see you Ssinjin, it has been many months.

Augustine looked the dark elf woman over, blood rushed to his cheeks as she lowered her hood revealing her white hair and fair beautiful face. The druid was grateful that his hood was still up as he blushed at looking at her.

Ssinjin seemed a great deal more relaxed, different yet the same. Augustine's eyes lingered on her hair and face and then the druid cleared his throat and looked to the ground.

My son is safe, he is with a trusted and wise friend.
The druid looked back to Ssinjinn, as he spoke the trees around the pair creaked and groaned, were they attempting to speak? The woods around them seemed to jump to life as the druid moved and spoke. Every rooted, growing thing surrounding them twitched and wavered.

The druid gently raised one hand, the subtle sounds quieted and faded.

There have been many times I evaded your treacherous brother's death squads, a few times I almost fell into death. I thought it prudent to hide my son until this unfortunate business is settled.

There was anger in the druid's voice, a rare thing. When the anger showed through in his voice the forest breathed again with those subtle and mysterious sounds.

Augustine lowered his stiff hood, letting his friend see his face for the first time in several months.

Would it please you to hear that Adam is in the charge of the very same powerful nymph that healed my scars and helped us all those many months ago?

The druid smiled warmly as he spoke these words, the trees around them grew quiet again.