The sun was beginning to go down, painting colors over the sky. The last rays of daylight shone over Alkaeya, a small city kingdom, East of Rohan and within the lands of Enedwaith. [Note: This kingdom was an original creation of the author and has no existence in any of Tolkien's works!] Within many folks bustled about, preparing for the exciting event to commence when the sun set twice. Alkaeya was famous for its trading resources and since its popularity had reached the ears of many distant lands, from far and wide, a variety of folks came to share in the splendor. In time, the leader of the Kingdom, King Erich, decreed that twice a full year there would be what was soon called "The Trade Festival". It was a time that civilizations came together, enjoyed fellowship and exchanged trade and goods. For a time it was a small gathering since the world of Middle Earth is quite vast.

In the Tradesman citadel, a solid star-shaped stone building, Guild master of Trade, Anzor, traveled the halls checking to see who was still working. Most of the workers had already gone home with his permission. Once reaching the last hall, it seemed all had left, save him, yet a single room shone a dim pale light. Sighing, Anzor strode down the hall and entered the room. In the middle stood a desk upon which several small stacks of papers, letters and other documents sat. On the far left corner sat a tall candle giving light to the figure writing quickly on a piece of paper.

"Still working at this hour, Raelyn?" Anzor questioned with a chuckled. "You really are a hard worker."

The figure raised her head; grey-blue eyes with a gentle warmth complementing her smile. "Indeed I am still working. I was taking notes on where our last trade route occurred, from when and where to. Keeping organized is a must for me."

The trades master nodded in understanding. "But do you not realize that it is past normal dinning hours? Your father, Andre must be anxious."

Raelyn waved a hand as if to dismiss the thought. "I am three years over eighteen years of childhood. Indeed my father may be worried or anxious, as you put it, but he needn't worry that much about me anymore. "

Anzor smiled, his gaze turning about the room. On the right side of the room stood a shelf with rows and rows of old books, organized and dustless. And on the left side was a window looking out over the stables, where the luggage animals were kept. His thoughts quickly returned to business.

"I meant to ask you...Have all the letters sent out three weeks past been answered?"

Raelyn nodded. Unlocking a drawer she took out a small bound bunch of letters. These she set onto the desk and locked the drawer again. "Here are all the letters we sent out and with each there is the acceptance or denial letter responses. "

"What were the final outcomes? "

Quickly, Raelyn flipped through the letters, all the while speaking the answers. "Some of Gondor's tradesmen are coming....oh...some from Rohan are coming." She continued to speak aloud those who were to come. "Well...That's it! All are coming! And-"

"Three weeks past I sent a letter out to Lord Oropher of Greenwood." Anzor cut her off quickly, but not unkindly. "Any news from him?"

Another quick search was sent through the papers. "No, Im afraid not sir."

"That is a shame. I was hoping some elves would make it too our festival."

"There is another one this year. Perhaps he will come then." Raelyn spoke aloud as she became deep in thought. Gathering up the letters she bound them together once more and locked the drawer. A bell tolled far away, signaling all that it was eight in the evening. Indeed, two hours past evening meal. Night shadows began to fall, casting shadows in the small study. Raelyn knew she should return home soon.

"Come Raelyn, you have done enough for the day. Go home. "Anzor spoke firmly; a sign to her he meant his words.

Within a short time the citadel was closed and both walked home. Anzor decided to accompany Raelyn to explain why she was late. Her father, Andre was a man who cared for his children. Though he only had two daughters he was extremely protective of them.

Ten short minutes later Raelyn was home. Andre was waiting inside, sitting at the wooden table in the center of the first room. Worry flooding off him like smoke. Standing quickly, the older man crossed his arms and tried to look upset.

" You have returned daughter..." He said. A frown began to form. "Where have you been?!"

"No need to worry Andre! " Anzor called from behind Raelyn. "She was working overtime, finishing last preparations for the festival."

"Indeed!" Andre agreed gruffly. "It took two hours past evening meal to do that??"

"Aye. Well, good to see you Andre. I must be off. Take care of yourself Raelyn, my dear!" Anzor called as he disappeared into the night.

The girl thanked him as she shut the door. Pausing, she let out a quick breath before facing her father. He had to be furious with her.

"Raelyn?" He father let her name hang in the air. Raelyn swallowed hard before raising her pale grey-blue eyes to her father's dark blue ones.

"Y-yes father?"

For several long, painful moments Andre stared hard at his daughter. A smile grew apon his face and taking a few steps forward wrapped his daughter in a hug. She giggled nervously; still worried her father would punish her. Putting his hands apon her shoulders he took a long look at Raelyn. Pain and pride struck him as he took in the features that reminded him of her mother, who had died seven years ago.

 Not often would he see Raelyn anymore. She was more the adventurous type. Once she had reached thirteen years of age she began delving into books, helping friends and neighbors or other townsfolk with anything they needed. Every other day she would help her father at the stables he was in charge of. And most days she worked at the tradesman hall as she was still in service there ever since she became an apprentice there once she turned sixteen years of age. But even then Andre noticed his daughter wanted to be a free spirit. This always puzzled him. But he realized it was the part of his wife that lived in his daughter. She had always been out and about on adventures of her own.

"You are not furious with me father?" Raelyn asked quietly.

Andre shook his head. "Nay, dear daughter. How could I be furious with one so busy helping others? Just next time.." Andre lifted her chin with a cupped hand. "Let your dear old father know where you are off too till he worries he to death."

Smiling widely Raelyn nodded. "Aye. I can do that."

"Good. Now off to bed with you. Your sister awaits you."

Bidding goodnight to him Raelyn rushed down the small hall where her sister and she shared a room. It was small only fitting a bed, a small dresser on which sat a basin and a flask of water and a chair. Their small family was poor but they managed to get by even the harshest of winters. As soon as Raelyn entered the room her sister leapt into her arms. She was laughing hard in joy that her sister had returned. For a good long moment the two stood locked together. Stella, her sister was almost as tall as Raelyn was and pride swelled within Raelyn's heart as she watched her sister become more and more of a woman.

"You had me worried sick!" Stella giggled. To the dresser she went, yanking open a drawer and throwing a nightgown to her sister who caught it with a laugh.

"Don't you dare start acting like our father!" Raelyn joked." Im old enough to live on my own if I wanted too."

Her sister shook her head in mock disapproval. "I think not. You are hardly a proper woman."

Throwing her clothes onto a worn chair in the corner Raelyn scoffed, slipping into her nightgown. "Proper?! Pffft. Who says I need to be a proper woman?"

Sitting upon the bed and running a hand through her dirty blond hair as she rolled her eyes. " I did. "

"Aiieesh. You are annoying dear sister."

"I know!" Stella replied cheerfully. "That's why you love me so much!"

Together the sisters pulled back the bed sheets and covers. Crawling into bed they giggled and laughed for a time.

" So how was work this day?" Stella finally asked as she propped herself up on one elbow. Hair fell into her face which was pushed aside.

"Busy. Are you excited for the festival? "

" Yes indeed! Tell me..Are any new folks coming this year? "

Smiling Raelyn nodded. "Yes, some elves might –"

"Elves?! " Her sister cried happily cutting her off which earned a roll of the eyes. " I have always wanted to meet an elf. Have you met any of those tall folk sisters? I am guessing you have because you journey so much."

Raelyn gazed happily at her sister. Stella was always full of energy and it often wore her family out. But Raelyn wouldn't trade her sister for the world. Once she even told Stella she would give her life for her. Stella simply giggled and said "There had better be no need for that."

Now the sisters were both grown up and still close as ever.

"Yes Stella I have met an elf. But only once. Twas by mere accident. His name was Glorfindel. His horse was nice and he helped me return to camp when I was lost. End of story. Now why don't you sleep? You should not have stayed up."

Stella pouted. "Humph. That wasn't a story. But he sounds lovely. Goodnight sister."

Breathing a sigh of relief as both turned over to rest, Raelyn closed her eyes. " Sleep well, little sister."

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And here is the first chapter of the new improved edition of Heaven and Hell. I must apologize for taking forever to update this. Once words were put on paper I could not stop. And now I must beg you not to kill me. This edition actually is a ton different then the other. I changed so much of the plot because it seemed better and more engrossing. I hope you wont be too confused. Yes the characters here you may not recognize yet but in due time you will see how they all fit into the story.

Forgive me also if the chapters are long. I love writing so much onto chapters. A lot of information here is vital to the story. In the first couple of chapters they might be long and slow but please enjoy them because its how I help people get to know the characters.  It is simply my style. And I wanted to fill in the gaping craters I left in the first rough draft of the story.

Now I shall stop rambling. Please enjoy and I hope to soon bring you chapter two!

Goodbye for now!

Niniak