Earendur Pallanen had learned close to a hundred years ago not to flinch at the name Avari, it meant he was different, he knew that, and often left him alone, but it also lent him special privilege. Like now, as he stood at the window of his room, offered to let him rest and recover from the last battle. He had healed, it had taken time and effort, but he had managed not to tear his wounds back open.

Now he watched the west seas glimmer below and others of his kind prepping a boat. He had thought long and hard about leaving, but he was Avari, he would stay and look out for this land, and his people. Picking up his cloak and tugging on his boots he headed for the door, out onto the expansive balcony and down the main stairs.

His steps were light, from months of laying and sitting still, now he felt the urge to go, already he had stayed too long. As his feet hit the marble stone walk he was already letting out a sharpe piercing whistle. He crossed the court yard and bowed at the master elf as he came down from the main terrance.

"You are going then?"

"I must, I have a long journey yet to go, my father's land lays across the plains of Gondor, beyond the gates of Rohan and through the White Mountains," Earendur answered, "A journey which must begin with a single step, or it will never begin at all."

"I understand, your saddle is in the main stable, packed with fresh breads and cheeses, your water bags are full and I have seen to cleaning your weapons and filling your quiver," he stated softly.

"You knew I would go, my many thanks, to you and your people. Safe journey from this land sir, my gratitude for all you have given me."

"Your very welcome Earendur, safe journey," he answered as the white mare appeared finally from the mists that held the tree line tightly. He moved from his host to the aging mare, brushing his fingers over her soft muzzle.

"You go on from here Jade," he moved to lead the mare back to the marble stable, pillars like trees lining the great entrance and gathering his saddle dropped it lightly over her back, sliding her armor over her flanks and shoulders, lining the top line of her neck, before clinching the saddle in place and laying the saddle bags in place, lashing them to the saddle. Sliding her bridle over her head, adjusting the armor there to make it more comfortable before buckling it in place as well.

He lead her to the trail out of the area and paused to look back as the mare danced beside him, her feet hardly touching the ground. For a month she had run on bridled amongst the trees, but laying ahead of them was a perfect trail, as if the trees themselves had moved for them. The weight on her back and the days of lazy living left her heart with an urge to run and as Earendur put his foot in the stirrup she settled, her muscles quivering as she waited.

Earendur settled in the saddle, the reins tight in his fingers for a minute before he let her have her head and she immediately reared, whinnying loudly before he heeled her forward and she launched off her hind quarter into a full out gallop. They were on their way, it would prove to be a long trip, but before long he would be on the step of his father's home. Smiling Earendur lowered over her neck, dropping into the saddle, moving with her as she flew down the trail and towards the light that was already warming the rest of the world.

Earendur stirred awake to the cold morning air, a bitter wind had crept below the crevice that he had set his tent and bed against and Jade now stood, tail to the wind, head low ears pinned in anger as she glared at him. The look he knew, he was sure she was cursing him a thousand times over for making her leave to cover of elven wood for the cold of middle earth. It had snowed through the night too he realized, his mare was more white then normal, and in the time it took for him to realize it, she was stomping her hoof in impatiens.

He wondered how long she had been standing there just staring at him and with a soft smile he moved to slide free of the bedroll and shivered at the cold, quickly pulling on more layers from his pack and his cloak, the fur lined fabric warming him quickly. He gathered his stuff, rolling the tent and bedroll and packing the bag, thinking on starting a fire and making a warm drink, but her angry eyes fallowed his every move and he thought better of pushing his luck with the maeran mare.

Instead he wiped snow from her main and back and threw his gear over her, getting a sharp whinny of protest at the cold armor and he hid his grin, she could curse him, but she had to carry his weight. Clinching the saddle and bridal he mounted her feeling her round under him, "Don't even think about Jade, you dump me in the snow and we'll camp outside Bree, and you can for get the warmth of the stable there," he pointed out and the mare huffed.

Content he had curbed her anger for the moment, he turned her for the road once more and nudged her on. It was a long road, over hill and valley and across a slope that seemed no end. In places trees hung so close to the road the created their own perpetual dusk, in others the heat of a summer day could put you off your horse, but in the winter the cold blasting wind only reminded you to stay low over them and share your heat.

Day turned to early noon, and noon to dusk, he didn't stop, didn't dare, most likely she would refuse him getting back on her once he was off to eat. Instead he suffered his hunger, not eating at all that day and pushing for the gates to Bree before night fall. It had been many years sense he was here last, in the presents of a couple other elusive vagabonds, Rangers they were called, and he had picked up the name himself by them. Though back then there had been suspicion for their lot, now they were better respected, most likely having something to do with their own Strider being the king Aragon.

Reaching the gate just before the last ray of sun disappeared he crossed into the city limit with little problem. Here hobbit and man lived in perfect harmony, and both made good business the last couple years. The stout Prancing Pony had gone from splendor to a dive and back to splendor and as he reined Jade in he found immediately a young whelp of a hobbit catching his reins before he had the chance to dismount.

"Tend your horse sir?" He asked, seeming to try and puzzle out who was under the cape, too small for a man, too big for a hobbit, or on the extreme end of either. Few elves stopped in Bree, and few still for the night at a place like the Prancing Pony. No they traveled in groups when they did and kept to themselves, so to this boy Earendur was nothing more then a puzzle to be figured out.

Dismounting Earendur shook his head, "I think not son, this mare is a bit too wiley for the likes of one so young," he answered, keeping size out of it and raising a brow in surprise when the youth tugged the reins harshly to his chest.

"I can handle her," the boy answered a bit indignantly, "I'm a hobbit, much stronger then I's a appear," he turned to start walking but found his feet dug into the earth and his body not moving as Jade closed her teeth on her bit, extended her head with his movement and planted her feet, making a noise of discontent before throwing her head and ending the youth in a pile at her feet before she snorted at him ears pinned.

"Don't say you were not warned," the elf laughed and got another nasty look from the boy. Insistent the stranger would not show him up he scrambled to his feet and grabbed her reins just below her nose and hooked his fingers in the under strap of the noseband of her armor. Earendur raised a brow at his conviction as the boy tried to move the mare again, who this time merely raised her head, leaving the young hobbit's feet swinging in the air, holding on with all his might to the horses tack.

"Are you quiet done?" Earendur asked, hands planted on his hips as the hobbit squealed, not much fond of heights.

"Yes...yes sir," he sputtered out and the elf pushed his cloak from his head.

"Alright Jade, let the boy down," the mare still in a foul mood snorted threw her head, sending the boy into the air and straight into a pile of straw as she threw her tail and whinnied sharply pawing the ground. Earendur shook his head, catching her reins and leading her back to the inn stables.

Once she was settled he headed for the inn itself, his mind on procuring a room.

The early morning sun had just risen as Earendur was sliding into the saddle. He could here the city gates being open and turned the mare heading her out as unnoticed as he had coming in, the only face watching him go was that of the young hobbit scorned by the mare, glad to see her go. Jade's rolling gate put her in a better mood this morning as he nudged her in to a gentle trot, staying on the road, little was dangerous anymore, the fight of men didn't touch the land of elves and stayed contained to the battle fields.

He steadied the mares pace, it was a two week trip to the lands of Rivendale, he would stay a short time there, then would have to head for the pass to the mountains to cross them to his father's lands which would take him another couple of weeks. It was a long trip, over a month of riding in bad weather as winter would close in on him quickly, with little relief of shelter anywhere on the trail. The road would mainly be empty, not many would braze the winter snows to travel, not until spring melted the trail and opened the passes once more.

Earendur thought over the trip as he tugged his cloak a little tighter around him, the mare kicking up a cloud of snow with each step. The land and trees were beautiful in the winter, serine and quite without a mark in the new snow, making him the first to pass. He let the mare slow to a quick walk and sent her on, somewhere along this rode was his falcon, hunting and waiting on him, he would need the bird to do some hunting for him, and he couldn't wait for the company after so long without the bird.

Earendur entered the dinning room in near silents, the room expansive and warm, a blazing fire heating the air and room around. He paused as he looked around, the room was warmly color, the lightened walls picking up on the sun streaming through the windows and despite a soft frosting on the windows, they didn't let in any of the cold. His eyes fell on the elven male who stood at his entrance, slightly taller then himself, Aldron had long dark hair, contrasting Earendur's blond and marking his lineage.

Earendur crossed the room to the older man and bowed slightly, "My lord," he stated before the two clasped hand and arm.

"Earendur, hail, it is good to see you in well health, your sister spoke of wounds that threatened your life."

"Yes they did, but have sense healed," he answered with a nod, they were deep but not enough to stop me."

"From what I have been told Earendur of Cuivi?nen, it would take a beheading to stop you from continuing."

"I was an adventuress child, against my father's wishes," he answered.

"Against all of our wishes," Aldron answered, "children are sacred," motions him to the table, "and you are barely passed that," he adds with a smile.

"My age will pass my lord, soon enough," he moved to cross to the table.

"Without marry?"

"No one has presented themselves to my favor sir," he moves to sit as Aldron did a smile crossing the older elf's face.

"Elfess is a hard thing to find around here anymore, I myself will be leaving within the next two days."

"Then I would not wish to impose," Earendur stated looking up as food was brought forth to the two and set before them.

"Nonsense, my people are here, my home is open to you, and weather insists you stay for a few more days," he added and looked up Earendur.

"I thank you lord, for your hospitality," he stated softly and smiled softly.

"My home is yours, it is the least I can offer, now eat, fill your stomach then I will have you taken to a room when you can really rest, on a down filled bed and satin sheets."

Earendur smiled and nodded his thanks once more, picking up his fork and starting into the delicious elven food.

Earendur was not old, not by elven standards, just passed an adult really. As a child he had gotten into much trouble, stealing his father's horses to fallow the soldiers as they headed for the mountain pass on journey's for the kings of Rohan. He hadn't ever got far, his father's stallion was bigger and faster then any horse the young elf had dared to ride, so he was easily over taken.

As he had grown a family from the visiting city had come to stay with his family, amoungst then a raven haired child who's beauty had bated many breaths. Isilwen then had been nothing more then a child herself, and Earendur on the verge of adult hood had no time for the impetuous youth, trying to heighten his father's regard he had stopped running so much and started working with his father's animals. He had become a good judge of horse flesh and easily trained most animals, having a repore with them that brinked on communication.

He spent months watching horse movement and body language, while Isilwen watched him, flirting and hanging off the fences so close that it was a wonder the horses didn't clean her off the fence. Earendur had been too old to notice the young girl and too young to know how to let her know gently that he had no interest in her, more then one occasion he had become annoyed and on the verge of snapping at the child when his father would stop him, take him to a private place and speak softly of the importance of children, instilling in him the need to protect and respect all children.

Eventually the lesson sunk in, but not until after she and her family had gone, leaving his families lands for the mountain pass. His first time allowed to go with the adults was to escort the family to the pass, seeing them off safely. That had been close to forty years ago, and now Isilwen was the adult, her rave curls spilling over her shoulders, her deep green and gold dress accentuating her form nicely, and that had not been lost on Earendur as he pulled his thoughts back to the present. She was still beautiful, her eyes piercing, but despite her beauty he found no attraction to the woman, instead he wanted noting more then to collect Jade and ride all the faster for the mountain path. But for now he remained where he was sipping his drink and keeping his mind on her words.

"After we crossed the mountains we came straight to Rivendale, my father helped in the stand for Rohan, now were preparing to cross the sea with others, wont you come with us?" She asked softly, "There's nothing left here, the age of elves is coming to an end."

"Not for me," he shook his head, "my family refused to fallow over the mountains, they refused to fallow into the battles here, I will not cross the sea, I belong on the other side of the mountain, the only reason I crossed to begin with was to find my sister, I did that, now I'm returning home, and nothing will stop me from doing that."

She watched him a bit shocked at the hardness of his tone, "And nothing will change your mind?"

"Nothing Isilwen, I will continue from here until I reach my home, and there I will rest, I will not reside out side of my people ever again, I'm tired of the company of man and the cold of the world beyond the protection of elvish land. nothing will take me form my father's home again, that I guarantee." He finished off his drink and set the mug on the table by the bed.

Morning found Earendur in as good a health as any elf could be, clean warm clothes of only the finest cottons and silks draped his body as he stood by the window, resting against his shoulder as he looked out at the snow draped land, just enough to give the appearance of clean beauty. He smiled softly before heading out of the room and across the hall down a set of stairs and paused, grinning. Here like any elven home, the halls seemed to shift and revel new things every time, it could be disorientating to those not paying attention.

Shifting his step he replayed his trip up here the night before, then turned and continued his trip down, sure he remembered the way. He paused his decent only once more before he crossed the grand floor and back out onto a covered porch, which despite the surrounding snow was as warm as indoors. Food of plenty had been lain out on the table there, others had already eaten, he had slept well passed what he should have, but still his needs were seen to. He sat with a soft sigh, glad for the little things while he had them, and started into the meal.

Once that was done with he moved off, traipsing through the snow to the vast stable, approaching where Jade was filling her stomach and grinned. "Well now, think you hadn't eaten in a week," he teased, "didn't they feed you at dawn, its hours sense and your still munching away," grins as the mare lifts her nose for the bucket giving an indigent snort at him and going back to the food. "Ahh, I see, cranky after sleeping on such fine bedding, guess you don't want this then," he holds out a green rip pear and the mare lifted her head, her eyes widening at the fruit as she bounced to the stall wall, her nose crossing over the door as he lowered the treat a little letting her take it as he rubbed by her ears, "I didn't think so," he mutters softly, scratching the mares sweet spot, her head tilting it towards him and against him.

"You great with animals Earendur," Isilwen voice is soft almost like song, but he does not turn to her, as he rubs the mares muzzle and cheeks softly, playing over her mane and foretop.

"I've learned long ago to watch and listen and they will let you know what they like, and when they wish to be left," he answered softly, wishing the young elfess had learned the same when he had frightened her from his room.

"I have been told the same of men," she stated softly, taking another step into the stable.

He bite back hard on the comment that near escaped his lips, and instead grinned at the mare, speaking soft words and finally letting her go back to her meal as he turned to look at Isilwen. "An interesting comment, but one I tend to disagree with," he answered her.

"And why's that?" she asked, her gown now was one of white, with a rabbit fur shawl draped over her shoulders to heed off what little chill there was.

"Because men, unlike horses can speak their minds aloud, and can reason with unruly women who refuse to listen to what they are told," he countered a bit roughly, reminding her strongly that he was not the same society that she was, and knowing his late mother would have scolded him for the words.

"I see," she answered, straightening slightly, and he fought the wince that threatened to fall over him and the need to duck her fury. "So women are to sit and look pretty?" She countered.

He smiled a forced smile, if he pushed her any harder away he would be literally pushing her from the stable, and she still wasn't clueing in, last night he had told her he was returning home with purpose, now she was here, in a courting gown, in hopes of swaying him to stay, and he had to get her to back off. "Preferably on some sweet broke mare side saddle yes," he answered and noticed Jade watching him intently, he was going to get thrown in the dirt for sure for this, she had to fight with him here didn't she.

"Last night Earendur Pallanen, you were a gentleman, and an elf, today you are a rude boy," she snapped.

He crossed the space between them and took her arm holding her from leaving. "Last night you came to my room as friend, you entered as if you were my wife,, you stayed as if you were my bed mate. I rebutled you, I told you I leave this land, you tried to convince me to stay. I told you something draws me, you tried to take credit, I told you my hatred for the humans you like so, and finally got you to leave, indignantly, but you left.

Now my sweet Isilwen, innocent Isilwen, you come to me in a courting gown, to a stable in middle winter, with little protection then your stole, and sandals on your feet. You compliment my handling of my mount and you hold your voice in regard as if I was known to you. I am not, and I will not, I will leave here a few days, and try to erase every thought of this encounter from my mind. Why? Because I do not care to be with you, and nothing will change that, even if you planted yourself on Jade's back and refused to move.

You are barley out of childhood and are already looking for a suitor, mark me Isilwen, you play a dangerous game and your father would not approve. Gather your skirts and leave my presents child, and do not try such a stunt again, I am Avari, I will settle only once I am back on my own land," he released her and she stood her ground for a minute looking up at him, her eyes glaring into his, "Go," he stated again.

Finally she picked up her skirts and did just that leaving the barn. He held his ground a minute longer then slumped and looked at Jade who was still watching him. "Not a word to my father or anyone else you might think needs telling of this story, I am neither, sexist, racist, or a bigot," he turns and heads for the house, feeling the horse's eyes on his back the whole way.

Earendur took every path available to him, sending his mare through trench and gully, over hill top and through some of the worst snowfalls seen in the history of Middle Earth. And somehow he managed not to get lost and crossed some of the most barren lands he had seen in record time. Mirkwood had been a haven, a retreat from the cold and pressing hunger from the long trip.

Jade had managed to lose close to a hundred pounds on the trip, her ribs had shown under the heavy armor and her hips were starting to bare as well. Her condition forced him to stop his trip for a while, he had no choice, she needed to put the weight back on, and still there was another two months of winter ahead. He was thankful for the hospitality of the family that took him in as if he was apart of it, well fed and clothed, give warm bed to sleep in and plenty of care for the mare, who fattened up quickly on sweet feed and many sweeter treats, her taste for good food dwindling to a need for anything with sugar or syrup in it.

Earendur had managed to procure a rabbit fur half blanket to lay under his armor over her flank to retain her body heat, and second to lay over her neck and shoulder as well. Once her body was safe from the cold bite of the armor and air he had to deal with his own needs, getting a few new cloaks and blankets, fresh packs of elven bread, a clear drink a bottle of elven wine and any other food he could pack. Soon enough the mare was heavy laden and he finished her tacking by wrapping her legs in a warm cotton smeared with wax on the outside to which away any wet, to keep her lower legs warm and dry.

He mounted and left Mirkwood with feelings of misgiving, he was happy there, comfortable and left to his own thoughts, but the journey had to continue and with pause to thank the lady of the wood he continued on putting away the gift she had bestowed on him before heeling the mare into a fast lope once more, already his trip was behind again, what he had made up getting to Mirkwood, he had lost in staying there. He had wanted to cross the mountain by spring, but now he worried he would not get across until the heat of summer, when crossing would be hardest.

He aimed the mare to cross the plains of rohan, he would not stop now until he reached the base of the mountain, then he would visit the town there to restock. Already a sweet excitement was driving up in him, home was drawing closer with each passing step, with each passing day, and that's where he wanted to be, home with his family and away from the dangers of the lands he was now leaving behind.

Earendur moved from the inn, pausing just outside, drawing his cloak tight around him, looking out into the pour rain of what would prove to be the last spring storm of the year, summer was going to come long and hard. He moved out into the rain and passed the barn, beyond the inn stood a large and lively place, a bar with good food and lots of character. He crossed the distance quickly and moved to step inside, immediately being assaulted by loud singing voices and the brightly lit room, fire blazing and the smell of sweet foods, roasts and cooked veggies.

He stopped to inhale the smell deeply, the last thing he had eaten and had been eating for some time, was elven bread. Smiling he crossed the room in silents, a shadow barley noticed by those too drunk and enjoying the song and jigs being danced nearby. He moved to sit in a darkened corner, his gaze fallowing the movements as a bar wench moved to him.

"What can I get you?" She asked as she wiped the worn wood table.

"Whatever's hot," he answered looking up at her, "and a mug of ale please," he added and she looked at him, trying to see passed the shadowed hood before she smiled and nodded, winking as she turned to head away, wagging her hips as she went, more then one whooping cat call fallowing her.

He watched the patrons, most had ignored him completely, a few threw him a curious glance, a couple still watched him, it was those he kept the most eye on. This town was dangerous, on the edge of Gondurian rule they had their own laws. It wasn't odd to see vicious bar brawls and violent arguments on the streets and in the bars. The fact that this group was still in good spirits bouded well for him, he could hopefully eat and get back to the inn before things got out of control.

He looked up as the woman returned to him with his meal, setting the plate of roasted chicken, potatoes and carrots, and something in a red sauce that he was too afraid to try and identify. She set his ale as well and was shocked when a gold coin landed in front of her before she could tell him the price. Grinning she took the coin and left him to his peace as he started into the meal.

The food was good, well cooked and tender, he finished the meal quickly before drowning his ale and setting back for a minute before moving to slip as silently away from the bar as he had coming in. He moved to head back for the inn and into the stable, offering Jade a small treat as he checked on her, "Rest well my friend, in a couple days we brave the summer heat to cross the mountain," he muttered softly, rubbing at her ears before moving to head for his room.

Earendur woke in early morning and for what felt like the first time in years noticed the sound of the birds singing around him and smiled softly. Arrow was sitting near by on his saddle looking around, mouth open panting slightly as he tasted the air, Jade was laying near the river, lazily eating grass around her. Smiling he pushed himself up and headed for the river, stripping to nothing before stepping into the cold water and starting the process of bathing himself, working his fingers through his hair before stepping out, letting his body dry on its own as he deftly braid in the proper braids to his hair a small one on each side of his temple, disappearing ito his long mane of straight blond hair, then a larger into the top running down the center of his back, leaving the rest to flow down to his still naked rear.

Moving to his saddle bags he carefully selected out a white shirt and grey slacks, a grey vest over that. He tacked Jade after a good rub down, making sure everything on her sparkled before mounting and turning her for the river, letting her cross. He nudged her gently on, trotting her for the forest path and into it. The woods around were bight and cheerful, with birds and rabbits and deer appearing and disappearing through the trees.

He lead her on the two hour trip to a sudden clearing. Ahead stood a three story white house with gold trim and shutters, nestled amongst flower gardens and fruit trees. To the side was a huge garden and horses wondered the property. A large barn was nestled behind the house, with half stalls so the horses could hang their heads out and marble pillars, cobblestone flooring and oak walls it was probably the nicest stable Earendur had seen next to the one in Riverdale.

He halted the mare and dismounted leading her up the walk to the house a young elf appearing and taking the reins, "I'll take her for you Earendur," the boy piped up and Earendur grinned at him, ruffling his hair.

"Take good care of her Gilthoniel," he grinned at the boy as he took off with the horse and turned to look up as his father appeared, the older elf with his dark straight hair and silent stature. Earendur waited for him to speak, keeping his own face schooled silents.

Atanvardoe watched his son for a minute then finally smiled opening his arms, "Earendur, welcome home," the two embraced quickly, the younger elf grinning.

"It is good to be home father," he answered softly as the older laid a hand on his back, guiding him forward and towards the door to the house, ready to tell his tale to the man who had sent him in search of his sister to begin with.