𝐈𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄̈ || A.

𝟎𝟎𝟑 ⸺ the ranger in exile

Iladya wanders around through the valley of Rivendell. Her dress hugs her waist before sweeping elegantly after her over the ground. Lord Elrond had been kind to offer her these dresses that she simply couldn't refuse. It is something she fails to get used to as it is odd not to wear her usual tunic.
It has been weeks since her conversation with Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel. The dream slowly began to fade, no matter how desperate she tried to remember. The Elf walks onto the bridge she found a moon ago. A bridge is hidden from the valley and it ends near a small lake with waterfalls. She gently inhales the scent of nature while closing her eyes. It feels as if she never went to War. All her concerns and worries seem to die away in Imladris. She lowers and sits on the edge of the bridge, her feet dangling just above the water.
     Iladya gazes at the beauty of nature, noticing her ears move back and forth. She stays still and concentrates on her surroundings. She hears footsteps approaching, footsteps that are heavier than those of an Elf. She glances over her shoulder and her eyes meet those of a man with shaggy brown hair. She rises to her feet in an elegant way. The man watches the Elf rise to her feet as he feels his breath hitch in his throat.
     "Do you want to be alone here? Shall I leave?" Iladya questions, fiddling with the sleeves of her dress. He holds up his hand and speaks.
     "No," he answers, slowly approaching Iladya. "I was told two Elves were searching for me," he continues. "And that one of them could be found here." Iladya stares at the man, vaguely recognizing the features on his face. Then she thinks about his words: I was told two Elves were searching for me.
      "You," she pauses. "You are the Ranger from the North." Her heart skips a beat because he finally stumbled onto their paths. He nods before Iladya drops a curtsy.
     "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Strider," she continues. He takes the final step and stands before her.
     "What name do you carry, my Lady?" he questions.
     "My name is Iladya, daughter of Thranduil," Iladya answers, extending her hand. Strider's eyes widen for a brief moment before he gently gets a hold of her hand and presses a gentle kiss on her knuckles.
     "Princess Iladya," he says and bows his head. Iladya chuckles, "Please, no formality." Strider chuckles while he agrees.
     "As you wish, my Lady. Lord Elrond has informed me about your search for me," he speaks, walking to the end of the bridge.

''Welcome, my Lord,'' the guard greets and bows his head, ''Lord Elrond awaits you.'' Strider nods and walks to Elrond's office.
     ''You called for me, Lord Elrond?'' Strider asks. Elrond turns around and faces the man.
     ''I did,'' he says and gestures to the stool. Strider sits down as he waits for what Elrond has to say.
     ''Two elves of the Woodland Realm passed our borders weeks ago. One of them spoke to me that they were searching for a Ranger,'' Elrond speaks, ''they are here in Rivendell and they mean no harm. You should see for yourself.'' Aragorn nods as he slowly comprehends Elrond's words.
     ''Where can I find them?'' he asks.

"Why did you search for me?" he continues to question, gazing at the lake. Iladya casts a glance aside, almost forgetting her purpose of being in Rivendell.
     "Our father sent us," Iladya answers, shifting her gaze to the water. "He believes that you will grow a great man because your father was a great man." Strider looks aside, mentally questioning why the King would send his children away.
     ''I do not know if it is my place to question,'' he pauses, waiting for her reaction. Once he sees her nodding, he dares to actually form his question out loud. ''May I ask why the King sent his children away?'' Iladya had seen this question coming as soon as her answer left her mouth.
     ''We fought in the Battle of the Five Armies, near the Lonely Mountain,'' she speaks. ''As he retreated a friend of mine turned against him... He was about to swing his sword at her but we stopped him. We, too, turned against him. His children turned against him.'' She pauses for a moment, gazing at the water falling into the lake. ''After the War was over, we met again and we all three realized we couldn't return, so he gave us a purpose, which is you.''
     ''My apologies,'' he replies, but Iladya waves away his apology.
     ''You have no impact on the situation, Strider,'' Iladya says. ''The bond between us and our father has never been strong... Ever since our mother died.'' Strider feels a sense of compassion rushing through his veins. He watches her attitude change before she questions him.
     ''What do you do, Strider?'' she questions. ''As a ranger?'' He watches her wall build as no emotion is to be read in her eyes. He casts her a glance before answering her question.
     ''I have protected the borders and I served during Wars,'' he replies. Iladya takes a look at him, stating that he doesn't show any age. She has too many questions to ask, yet she restrains herself from doing so. She mustn't catch him off guard so soon.
     ''Can I offer you our service?'' she questions without much thought. Strider tilts his head at the rather odd request.
     ''What service would a prince and princess do a ranger?'' he questions with a soft chuckle.
     "Allow us to travel with you," she suggests.
     "I will allow your company," he says. Their hands brush, causing them to look down at their hands. Strider's fingers reached for her fingers as if they needed to touch again. Iladya intertwines her fingers with his, not daring to look at him. Strider lets out a shaky breath, not wanting to let go if he were honest. He remembers the dream he was having night after night. He remembers the affectionate words he spoke to her. He remembers the face that went along. The very face of the person standing beside him.
     "Let us return to the valley," Iladya breaks the silence. "My brother would be pleased to meet you." She lets go of his hand as if nothing has happened. Although she knows all too well that he is the man who has been in her dream. She knows he will be part of her life.
     Strider follows Iladya who is searching for her brother. She finds her brother in the room where the shards of Narsil rest.
"Legolas," Iladya calls softly. Legolas glances over his shoulder, his eyes landing on Iladya for a brief moment before shifting to the man next to her. The two males bow their heads.
     "Legolas, this is the Ranger in the North," Iladya introduces. "And Strider, this is my brother Legolas." Strider simply nods as he somewhere still finds it bizarre that he stands with the prince and princess of the Woodland Realm.
     "It is a pleasure to meet you," Legolas says. It is not long before Elrohir requests their presence at the dining table.