Some Hearts

4.

A/N: Sindarin/Elvish will be in Italics. 

"I am going to search for my weapons and supplies. I will be back shortly." I said to Kili as he untied my bounds. I quickly stretched my arms and legs. After being tied up most of the night, my limbs were stiff. He nodded and went to help the others.

I followed the path of destruction left by the trolls and quickly found my bag, sword, and bow near my uprooted tree. I nearly ran back to the troll camp afraid they would leave before I could get some answers.

I bumped into Gandalf, as I reentered the clearing.

"Caralith! My dear, is that really you? After all this time, I thought you were still watching over Aragorn's early training." He said pulling me into a hug. (Let's pretend Aragorn is about 14-15 not 10) 

"Not for nearly a year, he is now in the safety of the Hidden Valley with Elrond. I am but a lonely watch of the East Road." I said looking down at my fingerless gloves.

"Aragorn is destined to have an important role in the future of Middle Earth, I on the other hand am just a nameless ranger who watches over the wild. He need not be with me any longer, he needs the elves."

"Do not belittle yourself! You are a daughter of the Dunedain, blessed with many gifts, and you, my dear, have a glorious future ahead of you." Many spoke of the great purpose I had in store for me because of my skills and my parentage. It was not noble like Aragorn but was a strong line of Dunedain lords and ladies.

"What are they doing here Gandalf? I have been following you for a little more than a day. It is a curiously odd group I must say. Thirteen Dwarves, a Hobbit, and the Grey Wizard." I said changing the subject drastically away from myself.

"It is not my place to speak of our destination at the moment."

"As travelers along the Great East Road, I have some ideas." I asked raising an eyebrow. The dwarf I spoke to briefly came up to us with a brooding look. Ered Luin was far to the East, while the Iron Hills were in the West, however, there are many things and places in between. I doubt that was their destination. 

"Ah, Caralith, may I introduce you properly to the leader of this company Thorin Oakenshield, Son of Thrain, Son of Thror, King Under the Mountain." I could see his royal bearing and confidence that pulses from his every movement. Now, his attitude and mannerisms made sense.

"It is an honor to meet you, the stories do you no justice, my Lord." I said bowing slightly in respect of the Dwarf King.

"What stories does a ranger of the north hear of dwarves?" He snapped.

"Great ones, Thorin Oakenshield, I assure you. They tell of your courage under dragon fire and your heroic defeat of Azog the Defiler. More recently your thriving settlement in Ered Luin."

"I see. No matter." He said shortly before returning to his company obviously not thrilled by my presence.

"You've been acquainted with one of the younger dwarves of our company. I saw you speak to him in the pile." Gandalf said looking towards Kili as he helped the blond dwarf with his cloak.

"Yes, Kili and I had quite the introduction." I smiled, in the moment it was not funny, but looking back we were in quite an awkward position.

"Next to him is his older brother, Fili, they are sons of Dis and therefore nephews of Thorin, heirs of Durin as well." My eyes widened at the information. The King Under the Mountain and his heirs traveling altogether, it is rather interesting. What would bring them out of the Blue Mountains and this far West?

"I see your thoughts running young Caralith. Do not think on it, for it is no business of the rangers."

"Gandalf, I may be a ranger of the north, but any journey along my patrol concerns me."

"So much like your mother, curious and determined. You share many of her qualities. How is my favorite Dunedain Lady?"

"Amiel passed two years ago."

"I'm sorry to hear that my dear."

"I was away at the time. I received a letter from Strider. It was the same sickness that always plagues my people during early spring."

"Have you been back since?"

"No, I have no home in the North now. I wish to stay here, near the Hidden Valley. Close to Elrond and his family, for they have always been good to me."

"I am trying to persuade Thorin to go there. You should join us as we travel there."

"I have not seen them in some months, it would be nice to see Arwen or the twins."

"Yes, but I may need some assistance getting the stubborn dwarf to agree." He said looking at the leader of the company.

"You know as well I as do, Mithrandir, that no dwarf would enter Imladris willingly."

"They need Lord Elrond's help whether they realize it or not. It is my job to get them to accept it."

"Speak clearly wizard. You say it is no business of the rangers but yet you wish me to lead them to the Valley. I cannot do so without knowing their purpose. Imladris is my home, if anywhere. I will do nothing to endanger it."

"Cara, it may be no business of the Rangers of the North, but I feel it is fate that you stumbled upon us. I know you are meant to join us even if only to get them to the Hidden Valley."

"It's less than a day from here. I think you will find it just fine." I started to walk past the trolls and back to my patrol route.

"The Lonely Mountain. Caralith." Gandalf stated flatly in Sindarin.

I stopped in my tracks and turned to face him. My initial thoughts are correct. He had switched to elvish, so that the company would not understand our conversation. Most likely, they did not want this information to be freely given.

"It is foolish! Gandalf, you cannot be serious? They could wake Smaug once more and rain fire on innocent lives!" I scolded the wizard. I was just starting my ranger training when word traveled of the tragedy at Erebor and Dale. Surely, they were not willing to risk such destruction again.

"There is another way in without risking waking the beast. That is why we must seek the aid of Lord Elrond. He can read a map that Thrain left for Thorin. There's a secret entrance into the lower halls."

"That is why you brought the hobbit. The dragon will not be disturbed by the light-footed creature."

"Exactly."

"I will aid you to Imaldris, then your fate will rest with Lord Elrond. He has the gift of foresight; he will guide us from there. I do not condone this journey, I still think it is unwise, especially for you."

"Thank you Caralith. The world is changing, we need a stronghold in the East besides Thranduil's realm."

"Thranduil is a selfish being, he cares not for anything outside his borders. Greenwood is no longer what it once was. Should your journey continue, I'd avoid the forest at all costs."

"Noted, my dear ranger. Perhaps you'll guide us along safe paths."  I scoffed. I would not go through Mirkwood unless my life depended on it.