Don't You Dare

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings. That belongs to the Esteemed Professor.

The cover art is a picture by Phobs! I don't like their ship, but the art is amazing!! This is forever and always how I will see Sauron XD

The leaves of the trees were slowly turning darker, and one by one falling to the ground. The air in Ithilien grew constantly colder, as winter drew ever closer. Neithan, captain of the Rangers of Ithilien, leant back on his heels as he slowly drew his gaze over the land.

"Have you seen her?"

Neithan turned his head towards his second in command. "I have not seen her for a few weeks."

"You mean since she dumped the water on your head and called you an 'unobservant fool'?"

Neithan scowled. "I'd rather not recall..."

The other man sniggered, though it was quickly silenced by Neithan's dark look.

"The Ghost only shows herself when she's bored," Neithan said. "Next time anyone sees her, be prepared for a prank of some sort."

"Remember the time she soaked your pillow and then put it back?"

Neithan rolled his eyes. "I'd rather not recall that either."

"Or the time she threw a live squirrel at Anthre? He still has scratches from that..." More sniggering. Neithan smiled faintly.

"Ow!" Neithan looked down at the pinecone lying innocently in front of him.

"Agh!" He looked over to the other man, who was holding the side of his face.

Neithan whipped his face to the nearest pine tree and glared at it. "Cease this immediately, Ghost!"

"Why couldn't you call me something interesting?"

Neithan threw himself sideways and stared fearfully up at the branch above him. What appeared to be a young woman was hanging upside down from the branch, arms crossed, and her hair starting to fall out of it's bun and dangling around her face. Upon closer observation, a pair of pointed ears poked through the chestnut mess. So it was an elf. The rumors were true...

"I mean, even 'Spectre' would have been preferable, but noooooo... you call me 'Ghost'." She glared sullenly at them. Her hand reached behind her back and both Neithan and the soldier put their hands on their swords. They had barely wrapped their hands around the hilts before both of them got a pinecone to the face.

"I would rather be called 'the Squirrel Queen' than 'Ghost'!" her voice called from somewhere in the branches above. More pinecones were pelted at them and they put their arms over their heads.

"Have you been storing up for winter, like good little ants?" she spoke, from behind them this time. They warily turned around and were met with nothing but the scenery.

"Oh wait! You have a whole fortress full of food, haha. Silly me."

"Ghost-"

"Squirrel Queen!"

Neithan looked extremely confused.

"I've decided if I am to receive a name from you, then you'll call me something worthy. I have chosen Squirrel Queen, and Squirrel Queen I shall be."

Neithan rolled his eyes. He was not calling anyone 'Squirrel Queen'. "Well, you are obviously not a ghost, and... the name you have chosen is rather long... perhaps you could share your true name?"

There was silence.

"Nah."

"May I ask why not?"