Two Go West

Visibly Aragorn appeared to grow calmer by the word. When she touched him she felt how hard and fast his heart was beating. Like a thunderhead about to crash into a storm. If that wasn't a true sign that he loved her nothing would be. With that he took her hand in his and began to lead her away from the courtyard with haste. She knew where they were going. Back to her rooms and likely to her bed. His urgent manner spoke volumes as to what would happen once the door was closed.

The next morning they left just before the sun rose. Their Bags were packed and their supplies refilled. She had been given elven arrows to replace the ones she had had to make out in the field. Every once in a while as they trekked Aragorn pulled at his britches and winced. He had rubbed himself raw in several places and it was causing him more than a little discomfort now. He had been quite...vigorous making love to her but he was paying for it now. She had applied a salve to him but it took time to work unfortunately.

After they had jogged the morning away they slowed to drink and eat a bit of the waybread that Alluin himself had made for them. With the clouds so thick overhead it was impossible to tell what time it was. Not quite mid day and they had alot of miles yet to travel south before they could veer west. If they were lucky they might happen upon another Orc raiding party coming or going from the trollshaws. Their raids had continued it seemed and as a result more rangers and even soldiers had been dispatched to try and ambush or capture them.

Aragorn’s face was damp from sweat and his breaths came in quickened gasps. He only took a few sips though from his canteen and only a small nibble of bread. “What did you and Arwen speak about?” He asked as he scanned the countryside that was just now opening up. The trees were still thick where they were and would be for a while yet. She had been vigorous too as if she had something to prove to him. He hoped whatever passed between them did not leave behind animosity though. Elves could be prickly sometimes about their honor. But he also thought that Vanya might be a bit possessive of him. Not a common trait for an elf but she was not a typical elf in his opinion anyway.

When Aragorn calmed Vanya felt her own anxiety decrease. It was a wonderful feeling to know that they agreed about this. She didn’t know how much time she had left and she wanted to spend as much of it as possible by Aragorn’s side. She also felt that it was her duty and destiny to remain with him, though she would never reveal that to him. She had never heard his heart beat as quickly as it was then, and was relieved when it began to calm slightly. However, as it did she saw a different light come to Aragorn’s eyes…a look of pure desire that caused a shiver to travel up her spine. As he took his hand into her own and began to lead her back to her rooms she felt her cheeks flush with the thought of what was to come…

The following morning they both rose before dawn and dressed. They gathered their packs and weapons and Vanya re-braided her hair down her back. It was actually several braids that she then braided and twisted together into one long one. Vanya resupplied her quiver and she met briefly with Alluin to say goodbye to him. They shared a quiet moment together in the courtyard and what was said between them was for their ears only. With a few tears in her eyes, she accepted the waybread that Alluin had prepared. She knew in her heart that this was going to be the last time she would see him.

Together Vanya and Aragorn headed south out of Imladris. They had not revealed to Elrond their plan, but Vanya had a suspicion he already knew. There was nothing he could do about it however. Aragorn and Vanya would not allow themselves to be separated. Their morning of travel was uneventful, though it was likely that they were both thinking back to the night before. The mere remembrance caused Vanya to almost blush. Aragorn had been rather…vigorous with her. It had been an unbridled passion produced from their love and Vanya had not wanted the night to end. When it had they had both collapsed into each other’s arms feeling blissfully sated.

As they slowed to a walk Vanya pulled out the waybread and broke off a small piece for each of them. She sensed that Aragorn wanted to ask her a question and before the words even emerged from his lips she knew what the question was. She was quiet a moment before she looked at him slightly.

“You. She wanted to know more about you. I think she was…taken with you. Not that I blame her.”

Aragorn was taken aback by what Vanya told him. He never considered himself an attractive man but people did seem to respond to him. Notice him in a room, even in a room with elves all around him. He drew the eye and his way of talking, his presence made people want to stop and listen to him. Yet he was loving and gentle and cared about everyone, even small, helpless animals. And he had the same human drive that came from a race that didn't have all of eternity to accomplish everything that they wanted to accomplish. He was only 21 and yet he had a maturity and wisdom far beyond his years. His face had several days of stubble growing, he often refused to shave just before going out into the field where his beard would only get longer anyway. Right then though he was still very clean and his manly, musky smell mixed with the herbal and rose petals of the soap he used only added to his appeal. And he was hers. Body, mind and soul.

“Now if I had anything to do with that wonderful mood you appear to be in, then I take full credit,” He said as he saw her eyes become far off for a moment. “I’m in no condition to satiate any more of your carnal desires woman...lead on!” He said in a loud, mirthful voice and he chuckled a soft chuckle as he shouldered up his pack. He was happy right then. Happy to be out in the wilds, happy to be out away from Elrond and happy to be out with her. They were alive and together.

For the majority of the day they continued south then, just before the sun drew low above the trees they veered West away from the valley. There were still trees but for a long while they’d grow ever sparser and the land would become much more rough with hills, sloping fields and ridged with larger hills with rock-filled ridgelines.To the North were the Trollshaws and camping south of it tonight was going to be dangerous for them. They did have a camp spot that they had been to before but it was fairly far yet and the light was fading quickly.

Aragorn would see only love for him in Vanya's eyes. The two of them had such an impact on each other's lives that it would almost be impossible for them not to be in love. They had been through incredibly tough times together that had brought them closer and closer together. She was his, completely, and for the first time in her life she was truly happy. Her eyes were brighter when they looked at him and she had smiled more in the last week than she had in a very long time. She didn't have forever with him, but what time she had was precious to her.

They walked with seemingly endless endurance and energy, despite their amorous activities the night before. They were heading towards a camp site they had used before and they picked up the pace when they realized they were losing light. The area they were entering into was dangerous and Vanya's senses were on high alert. She heard a pack of wolves begin to howl nearby. They were too close for her liking and she drew out an arrow and readied her bow as they continued to walk.

By their howls they were under a mile away. Large, plains wolves that have been known to attack men, on horse and on foot. There were at least 8 or 9 in this pack and by their scent they were getting closer. Normally fire was a good deterrent for wolves. Wolves did not like having to risk everything for a meal and fire usually meant risking everything. If they started a fire though its as good as lighting a beacon to any orc or troll several miles away. There were trees near to them but he’d much prefer avoiding them if they could help it.

“If we can find game to kill,” Aragorn said while they ran. “We could avoid an altercation,” he said. They continued to run…

It was a forgone conclusion that Vanya’s senses were much better than his own. Her eyesight and sense of smell were far superior to his and he almost ran into her when she stopped abruptly to look down at the ground. Her head seemed to shift slowly in a southerly direction and Aragorn looked the way she was facing. “What is it? Is it far? I think they are maybe half a mile now,” He said in an urgent tone.

Vanya knew the wolves were getting closer. They were currently out in the open, but up ahead there was a small wooded area. Vanya began to head towards the trees when suddenly something on the ground caught her attention. She stopped very suddenly and felt Aragorn run into her. She looked closely at the ground for a moment and then looked at Aragorn. All thoughts of the wolves left her mind.

"There is a bear in the area...possibly a Beorning."

Vanya was now extremely worried. They now had both wolves and a bear to contend with and that wouldn't end well for them. Beornings were large, incredibly strong beasts. She had originally considered climbing up into a tree to escape the wolves, but a Beorning could just knock it over. Her eyes scanned the area around them and she spotted a lonely house.

"We need to get to that house...now!"

OOC-Thinking it could be Beorn.

Aragorn did not waste time with explanations, he had heard of Beornings but had never actually seen one. He hurried after Vanya and tried to keep up with her. It wasn’t far that they had gone toward the house when he picked up the odd scent. There was the scent of a bear but also something else. Not human and unlike he had ever smelled before. That and the smell of blood. The blood of all sorts of animals.

The house was of midling size and it had a stout, wood and iron fence that surrounded it. It was locked with a large, metal lock but Vanya easily hopped over it. Aragorn needed a bit of her help and he expected her to tease him about this later though he hoped she wouldnt. Elves were a very athletic beings far beyond what a human was capable of.

“Hello?” Aragorn said loudly. But no one answered. Inside the fence the house appeared to be in good order. Mostly made of wood it had a thatched roof and a chimney made of brick. “Hello!” Aragorn said again and again no one answered. It was the wolves that made them both become silent. They sniffed and growled and they could see their long, gray snouts under the gate. Aragorn kept a hand on his sword as Vanya held her bow as if she were ready to shoot.

Vanya's long legs carried her easily over the slightly uneven terrain. However, she knew the wolves were getting close and she ran even faster. She glanced over her shoulder and could see the wolves now. When she and Aragorn reached the house she quickly climbed over the fence since the gate was locked. She helped Aragorn over just as the wolves entered the courtyard. She could hear their nails on the rocks and could smell their breath. They growled and howled just outside the gate and began to try and dig and claw their way underneath it.

Just as Vanya was readying an arrow to fire she heard the growl of a large beast, followed by a thump and the yelp of a wolf. Vanya could see from the shadow it was the Beorning. She grabbed Aragorn's arm and pulled him inside the empty house. The doors were of a thick wood and Vanya was not surprised to find a very large and heavy metal brace to put across the doors.

"Help me with this!" she called urgently to Aragorn, knowing that they needed to secure the door before the Beorning got inside.

Aragorn wanted to take a better look around, dangers could lurk almost anywhere when you did not know the area or what to expect. There simply was no time. Without hesitation he sheathed his sword and helped Vanya heave a very thick metal bar down into brackets that were set to bar the thick, stout door. The door had iron banding all over it and he saw large, deep claw marks from a paw that looked as large as his head. Had they gone from facing hungry wolves to some other creature? He knew well that not everything was inherently evil. Wolves were not, at least not mundane ones anyway. Most creatures were just intent on survival. But what about this ‘Beorning?’ Was it evil or just some other twist of nature? He didn’t know but he drew out his sword again once the bar was in place. A small fire still burned in the large, stone hearth that was situated near the far wall. Through it he could see another room but his attention was drawn away from looking around when something crashed into the door...from outside. Dust motes floated down from the ceiling and around the top edge of the door frame. Aragorn set himself as it crashed into the door once again and then it growled in frustration. In the near distance he heard wolves whimpering and howling and snarling soon after then a moment later he heard something sniff loudly at the door again.

“Vanya, what is it?” he asked quietly. He wasn’t afraid, not exactly but he didn’t like not knowing what a thing was. Knowledge was a powerful ally to a Ranger. He heard it lumber off away from the door. He sighed as he wiped sweat from his face with his forearm.

"A Beorning," Vanya replied as she caught her breath. "They are also known as Skin-changers. They are a race of large men who have the ability to change their form into that of a bear when angered." The door was very well secured, but she wouldn't be able to relax fully until the creature left. She heard what was left of the wolf pack leave, but the bear remained. It no longer crashed into the door, but she saw the shadow of it through a crack at the bottom of the door. It lowered it's gigantic head down and sniffed under the door. It growled again and then Vanya heard it lumber off.

She breathed a sigh of relief and leaned against a wall with her eyes closed for a moment. When she opened them she was surprised by what she saw. She and Aragorn were not short, but the objects in the room they were standing in were too large for them and therefore too large for an ordinary man. As Vanya's eyes scanned over the room she took notice of several bear figures. They were carved into the back of the chairs and carved from stone into the back of the oversized fireplace. They were carved into the wood of several columns separating the kitchen from the rest of the house. Vanya knew then whose home they were in.

"I believe we may be in the home of the Beorning that just tried to attack us."

Aragorn winced at Vanya’s words though his ears still pricked as he continued to reach out with his senses. Had it really gone? Where was it? Where is it going? He wondered as he gazed around the large room.

“Somehow I think I’d rather have taken my chances with the wolves. I don’t fancy having my limbs torn off today,” Aragorn said. He held a small smirk on his face at the Irony of going from a boiling kettle into a raging fire. Vanya’s scowl only made his smirk grow. She often didn’t understand his joking manner in situations like this. Most elves didn’t but she knew his particular brand of humor for she had witnessed it many times before. Still he look to her now for a direction and assurance that she knew what he did not about a Beorning and this place.

“What now my heart?” he said as he turned to face her. He managed a posture that both looked as if he were relaxed and also ready to spring in any direction. His hand rested easily on the hilt of his sword but she knew he could draw it out in an instant. That and throw himself in front of the danger, heedless of personal injury to himself. Something he proved in the cave with the troll. She had called him foolish that day though has actions likely saved her life.

Vanya glanced outside through one of the windows and saw the figure of the Beorning as it lumbered away into the night. Hopefully he would return in his man form and not that of the bear. She saw no sign of the wolves and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Well, it appears that we are safe for now. I suggest we remain here for the night. It will be warmer in here once we get a fire going and we can relax a little knowing that the wolves cannot get in here."

She then shed off her bow and quiver, though she put them within easy reach. There was dry firewood next to the fireplace and within a few minutes she had a fire going that warmed the house up both with its light and heat. With that taken care of, Vanya ventured into the kitchen and looked through a few of the cabinets. She returned with what appeared to be a cake.

"I found a Honey Cake that is very fresh," she said as she gave part of one to Aragorn on a plate. She then sat down in front of the fireplace to warm herself up. It had grown cold outside and a light rain began to fall.

All in all, Aragorn was surprised and more than a little taken aback by Vanya’s calmness. He held the plate and could not keep the look of disbelief from his face. She sat down like she was a welcome guest and he wondered if she had met this ‘Beorning’ before? He did not sit but he did approach the large fireplace. He set the cake aside however.

“Do you think it's a good idea to just sit here? Shouldn't we go?” he asked in a calmer tone than he felt. “I'm not certain this ‘Beorning’ would appreciate unwelcome guests.” However it was dark outside now and only then did he realize the situation. They couldn’t go now. Not with wolves nearby and darkness had come. Their only real choice was to stay until dawn. What happened until then was going to happen, for good or ill. With a sigh he unbuckled his weapon belt and wrapped it around his sword and scabbard that he leaned up against the large, wooden rocking chair. He picked back up the plate and sat down next to Vanya at the fire. He wasn’t all that hungry and instead he just looked over at her and watched her eat the cake.

Vanya had an elegance to her that was only party due to her elven heritage. He smiled when she licked her fingers and even doing that she looked graceful. Had he really thought her eyes were too large? They were just right and her hair was dark and silky looking in that intricate braid. He wanted to run his finger through it and more besides but this was hardly the place and time for that kind of thing. He could think about it though and remember what making love to her felt like. He took a small bite from his cake and chewed it slowly.

Vanya could sense Aragorn's uneasiness about remaining in this place, but they couldn't leave, which is why she continued to sit there. "We cannot leave this place. Not until morning at least. The wolves are the least of our concerns if the Beorning is still in his bear form. We are no match against it. We are safe here and we will wait until the Beorning resumes his man form. Only then will it be safe for us to leave. For now, try to relax. We have a safe, dry, and warm place to rest for the night."

As Aragorn finally came to sit next to her she continued to eat her Honey Cake. She ate small bites without getting crumbs all over herself and gently licked the excess honey from her fingertips. She could sense Aragorn watching her from the corner of her eyes as she finished eating her Honey Cake. Moments like these were precious to Vanya. Moments of quiet, where they could just be with one another and not be distracted by the dangers of the outside world.

When Aragorn finished his cake, Vanya took the plates into the kitchen and cleaned them and put them away. She walked back out and joined Aragorn back by the fire. She sat there looking at him for a moment before she reached up and un-clasped something from her neck. When she revealed what it was, Aragorn would see that it was a very old looking pendant. She reached over and took Aragorn's hand and placed it into his palm.

"This belonged to my father, who, as you know, was a Dunedain. This has been passed down generations from father to son in his family and may go back to when the Dunedain first appeared in Middle Earth. My father had no son to pass it on to so he gave it to me. I want you to have it Aragorn."

Aragorn’s eyes grew large in amazement as Vanya brought forth the Pendent. His throat grew dry as she explained what it was though Aragorn knew as soon as he saw it. Any Dunedain would if they saw it. Lightly he drew his hand toward it and stroked it lightly with his fingers. The star sucked in the firelight and it was reflected in his eyes.

“So much is lost Vanya. As the ages pass I fear that I will be lost and my family along with it,” He said as his eyes welled up with tears. “You will outlive me so I do not understand this gift,” he said as he took a grip on his emotions. “I...I can not except this,” He said and drew his hand back and set it into his lap. Vanya never ceased to amaze Aragorn. More and more she did things that surprised him and felt her love fill the space between them. Would he feel it if they were far apart? He hoped it was so as the warmth of it filled him. His love for her flowed out of him as well as his eyes met hers.

Vanya felt so much love between them that it threatened to burst her heart. She loved this man more than she could ever express in words and his mere actions caused her to love him even more. She would do anything for him and the thought of dying and not being with him caused her heart ache.

She shook her head and did not take the pendant back. Aragorn would know it was probably the only one of its kind still in existence and was priceless. It was an heirloom of his kin and Vanya knew it belonged with him. She closed his hand around it and placed her hand on top of it. She looked deeply into his eyes.

“This is a gift for you. I want you to have it. Keep it close to your heart and remember that if we are ever parted that I love you.”

His eyes closed when he felt her hand force his to fold in upon the pendent. He knew she would not relent and felt how close she was to him right then. He could not wear it openly but he could hide it under his shirt and closer to his heart. With his other hand he pressed two fingers to his lips then pressed them to hers. A sign that he accepted her gift and acknowledged what it means. To her, to him, to the memory of their people.

“I will wear it always my love,” he whispered and then began to put it on over his head. If they were not in danger he would make love to her then and there. He rose as he tucked it in and felt it under his jerkin.

“I’ll take first watch, like always. I love to watch you sleep,” He said and gave her a very warm smile.

Hours later when she rose to take her turn at watch he yawned and wasted no time laying down by the fire. The rug was made of soft, wolf hides and as soon as his head touched the floor he had fallen asleep.

Just before dawn Vanya heard someone come into the yard to the east and then heard the latches on the large, iron gate being unlatched. Those latches, similar to the one on the door required both a delicate and forceful hand to open. Not complicated but impossible for an animal...a bear, to open.

Beorning stepped in through the gate and then pulled on a thick, brown wool long shirt over his head. He knew that the two he saw were still inside and was not pleased that they had entered his home uninvited. He opened the latch to the back door and stepped inside ready to fight if he needed to. He was not in a good mood this morning!

Aragorn woke as Vanya shifted near him. Still groggy from sleeping he rose to his feet and only just barely managed to catch his sword and scabbard that she flung at him.

Vanya watched Aragorn slip the pendant over his head and she felt her heart swell with pride and love. Even though her father was gone part of him would live on in that pendant…as would she. It comforted her to know that part of her would forever be with Aragorn, even after she had passed from this world. She lay down on one of the wolf hide rugs and with the knowledge that Aragorn was close by she drifted off to sleep quickly. That night she dreamt of her father. She dreamt of his smile and could hear his laugh. She could feel his arms around her and hear his voice as he told her how proud he was of her and how he would see her soon.

She awoke with thoughts of him still in her head as she took her watch. Just as Aragorn had with her, she remained close to him as he slept. She even reached out and brushed back his hair from his sleeping face. He looked peaceful as he slept, though she knew his mind was filled with many things.

It was just before dawn when she heard the latch to the gate out in the courtyard being unlocked. She immediately knew it must be the Beorning. She had met a Beroning in the past and hoped this man was the one she knew. Otherwise she and Aragorn might be in trouble. Just in case, she grabbed Aragorn’s sword and scabbard and tossed it to him as she grabbed her bow and quiver. She readied an arrow and pointed it at the front door as the door began to open. The worry on her face slowly melted away when Beorn himself stepped in through the front door. She quickly lowered her bow and hoped he would remember her.

“Beorn, I’m Vanya. We met several years ago. This is my companion Aragorn. We apologize for entering your house uninvited, but we were being pursued by the same pack of wolves you encountered last night and we needed a safe place to remain for the night.”

Aragorn was no less wary of the large beast of a man just because Vanya appeared to know him. Or at least, she had met him once before. Nor did it seem that this Beorn was less wary of them. He did not draw his sword though he was ready to.

Beorn was a creature of nature. All things lived and all things died. And death came when it came. Nature was about balance and the struggle between life and death kept it. He crossed arms as thick as tree trunks across his broad chest. He had long, black hair that spilled haplessly down his back and a long, thick beard that drooped down onto his chest. His thick, bushy eyebrows were turned down and his large, dark eyes looked at them suspiciously though he did remember Vanya’s scent, if not from when or where.

“So...the hunters become the hunted. If my house was not here you two would be last night’s dinner!” He growled and gave them both a very dark smile. Well Aragorn thought it looked more like a scowl but his tone made him think it was a smile.

“Nature is about balance and it galls me when I take part in upsetting that balance!” He said in a growl. And then he smelled the air again and he narrowed his eyes at them. He drew himself up and planted his large hands on his hips.

“You’ve been at my honey cake. Do you have any idea how long it takes for bees to make honey!?” He said obviously more angry now than he had been. “If you’re here another minute past dawn you will wish you weren’t!” he added in a tone that made Aragorn certain they’d better leave right then and now.

Vanya had expected Beorn to be wary of them. He knew her, or at the very least had met her, but he did not know Aragorn and they had both invaded his house. At least he would find his home in the same shape he had left it. They had damaged nothing and had not invaded his privacy. Although he did not relax entirely, she saw him relax enough that he didn’t immediately draw out his sword. She began to think they were going to get away without an incident when she suddenly saw him sniff the air near them and she realized what he smelled.

“I sincerely apologize for us eating some of your Honey Cakes,” she told him as she began to quickly gather up her things. “I just know how delicious yours are because you gave one the last time we met,” she said hoping he would accept some flattery, although it was true. She then began to dig into her pack and pulled out something that was wrapped in a beautifully embroidered cloth. “Please accept this Lembas bread as a token of our appreciation,” she said as she handed it to him. “I hope that if our paths cross again that we will meet under better circumstances.”

What did a person do when they had worn out their welcome upon arrival? They took the hint and left as soon as possible, thats what!

It was a relief to be out and away from the house and the large man, the Beorning, that could turn into a large bear. Aragorn moved a bit faster than his usual stride and he would not pause until they were miles away from this Beorn. The sun was just below mid way to high and Aragorn swallowed a gulp of water. Like Vanya he took a few nibbles from the waybread and looked over at her. The wind had picked up quite a bit since their leaving. A squall was on its way though by their heading it appeared to be moving just across behind them. His hair blew into his face and he shook his head to remove it. He thought about sex with Vanya, there were few moments when he didn’t think about that being the young man he was. Aragorn did little to hide what he was thinking from her though. There was a place and time for such things he knew and with so many miles ahead yet it might be days before he could get another chance to have at her or to be more accurate, for them to have at each other. At times he didn’t think Vanya to be someone with centuries of age on him especially when they were having sex. She had been his teacher but lately, in her bed he felt he was quickly gaining ground with her there. The thought brought a smug smile to his face but he refrained from the impulse to slap Vanya’s bottom, even in jest. Likely she would run him down quickly and not be too pleased with him for being so droll. She seemed to prefer other ways to express his possession of her though kissing in the courtyard in Imladris was probably the most public and forward he had been about that. They lurched forward into a strong stride once more as they shifted slightly south to begin following the East Road...Westward toward Bree.

“Im in love with you Vanya!” Aragorn yelled with a laugh into the wind as he ran with the sun at his back.

Vanya and Aragorn trekked on for days and then weeks towards the west. The weather was starting to get colder and with that came the rains. It rained at one point for three days straight. Vanya and Aragorn supported one another and gave each other the strength to keep going in the sometimes torrential downpours. They got soaked through and through, but kept on going because they had to. Finally, the rains stopped and the sun came out. It was a welcomed sight for the pair and they rejoiced in its warm rays of light.

They finally made it to Bree and they decided to give themselves a break a spend some money on a room. Vanya would skin any animals they killed and then sell the pelts for money. She knew how to kill an animal so the pelts wouldn’t be damaged and they quickly found someone to buy a set of pelts just outside of Bree in exchange for a small bag of silver coins. It was enough to get them warm food and a bed for the night.

The gatekeeper allowed them to come through, recognizing them both. They then headed down to the Prancing Pony, where they also knew the innkeeper. Vanya stepped inside first with Aragorn following behind her. The room was boisterous and warm from the fireplace. Nearly every table was filled with men and women drinking, laughing, gambling, and talking. Vanya made her way over to the bar to speak to the innkeeper.

“We will need one room for the night.”