A/N
*Gasp!* an new update within a day or two of the last one! Surprised? So am I.

From where Wacion stood he looked on at the red sun that was quickly dipping below the horizon. The siblings had stopped to rest for a moment.

He and Lindar had been riding for what seemed ages. After leaving Weather Hills almost two full days ago, they had journeyed through the South Downs. It had not been easy riding over the numerous hills. The emptiness of the land had rested heavily over the siblings.

Wacion had been cautious with the water rations and often they walked rather than rode in order to give Sammy rest from carrying them. Needless to say they were glad to put the South Downs behind them.

"The sun is setting quickly, we should stop for the night." Said Wacion.

Lindar, who was tending to Sammy, simply replied, "Why must we stop? My world is always dark."

Wacion was taken back by such a response and stared at her in surprise. When he said nothing in return Lindar let out a laugh.

"I am only jesting. I know we must stop."

Wacion gave a half smile but nothing more. He was not in the mood to joke. The events of the past two days were still at the center of his mind. He had been on high alert, fearful of those who had attacked his home. Even now he was worried of what they may find at Gondor. It was a long way off, and they had to pass by Rohan as well.

The silence was broken when Lindar said softly, "I'm afraid too."

Wacion never wanted Lindar to feel anything but happiness. Her words made his heart drop. He felt as though he had failed her. Wacion did the only thing he could think of and embraced Lindar, in hopes to shield her from further pain or fear.

"Once we speak to King Elessar things will be better. I promise."

Whether his words offered her any comfort he never knew. After a moment Lindar pulled away.

"Where shall we make camp?" She inquired.

Wacion surveyed his surroundings. He did not think it wise to travel much further in strange territory with night coming fast. His tired eyes stopped when he found a small spot that seemed promising.

"Follow me, I think I have found a spot."

Wacion held the reins while Linda held on to the side of Sammy's bridle. Together they headed to the spot and before long, their small yet comfortable camp was set. Wacion removed Sammy of his riding gear.

"Can we build a fire? This land seems so cold and dark." Lindar asked.

Wacion had not intended to build one, in case of an attack. Lindar sensed his uncertainty and quickly added,

"A small fire? It will help me sleep."

Wacion let out a sigh. How could he refuse?

"Alright, but once you are asleep I will put it out."

Lindar smiled. Aside from the pitter- patter of a light rain falling against the window, she loved to listen to the crackle of a fire. Something about it gave her a peaceful feeling.

Before long, small embers were glowing and the fire was alive. Wacion offered to guide Lindar close to the fire, but she politely declined his help.

"I can feel how close I am by the sound and heat." She explained as she held out her hands to warm them.

Wacion shrugged. He was more than ready now for the day to end. He looked over to Sammy and saw that the horse was already asleep. Wacion then collected a warm blanket from the supplies and handed it to his sister.

"Thank you." She said.

"Do not stay up too late by the fire, we have a long road ahead of us still." He advised.

Lindar nodded and moved away from the fire. She laid down and covered herself with the blanket. The ground offered no resemblance of her bed at home but she would not think to complain or share this information with Wacion. She knew he was under a great deal of stress. Her ears in tuned to the fire, she began to wonder if she should have begged so to have it.

"Wacion?" She asked in a whisper.

"Yes Lindar?"

"We do not have to have a fire if you do not want one. I am sorry I asked for it so."

Wacion, who was sitting near the fire, smiled.

"I am glad you did insist upon it. It is comforting to have a glowing light with us. Thank you."

Lindar grinned. "Goodnight. And do not stay up too late by the fire, we have a long road ahead of us." She teased, using his own words.

"I will keep that in mind. Goodnight." He replied.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Minuets had passed and Wacion was almost positive Lindar was asleep. The fire was a greater comfort than he had let on. The truth was that he was afraid. Not of the dark necessarily, but of what evil dwelt in it.

He recalled the simplicity he and Lindar had shared sitting outside in their home in Archet. Who could have known that that was the last time they would have done that?

Wacion gave a involuntary shudder. It frightened him to consider how quickly one could lose the only thing they knew to be home.

Another dreadful thought that had nagged at him was how much closer the road to Gondor was leading them back to Mordor. He was younger then, Lindar being but child, but he knew what it was to be standing in a land that was drenched with evilness. He had been a slave of Nurn, his family taken from Dale and forced to work the land of Mordor.

The main reason Wacion declined the offer King Elessar gave, to take the land as his own, was because he wanted to leave it behind him as far as he could. He wanted no part of Mordor. The memories were enough to bare. Those of the beatings, torture, the orc scum, starvation and the impossible tasks that burdened the slaves.

No. Wacion had decided long ago he and Lindar would move far away from that horrible land. Bree had been his first choice, but he wanted a smaller and lesser known village. Archet had become his home, his escape.

The fire was dying now and Wacion took it as a sign to leave his thoughts and go to sleep.

A/N
Hope you guys liked this. I decided to have us check in on the siblings, but the next chapter goes back to Idonea.