A/N: *takes a deep breath* I've been a LOTR fan for years and have finally plucked up the courage to write a fanfiction! I've just completed my Hobbit one which is set Post-BOFA and is a Kili/OC if you're interested. This will be set during the events that take place in the book/film but I've included a few original concepts and ideas I hope you will like. It is an adventure story primarily but it is also a romance with Legolas.
Disclaimer: This will probably be the only one you see but I do not own any of Tolkien's characters, settings or plot, only my OC and my plot line. Nauth Herdir and their integration into Middle Earth history is my original idea.
I don't want to give too much away I just hope this first chapter is intriguing enough! If people show interest I will upload the other chapters.
- Angels and Douchebags.
Aldburg was a hill fort, a human settlement situated just south of Edoras. It was a peaceful place that did trade with the main city and was protected by the good King Theoden and his men. But they couldn't foresee everything that was to come. Not the downfall of the peaceful people and not the triggering of events caused by a young Hobbit setting foot outside his homeland or a young woman making a life changing decision.
No you see, Thariya wasn't aware of any of this. She had no indication of the ill events fated to take place in her village as she walked down to the marketplace to buy food. She did not have the appearance of the fair people of Aldburg which they did not let her forget. No one was unkind to her but they did not fully accept her either.
She was an unusually tall woman with raven black hair, and unusual brown coloured skin with dark soulful eyes. She was an odd woman the people of Aldburg thought, she was always believed to be one of the Haradrim, men of the south. Always keeping her appearance covered, lest people treat her different.
She had no knowledge of her parents or any family. She was raised by a kind old man whose name was Rohir.
Rohir was minding his own business tending to his fields for the day. As the sun was setting he found a darker skinned baby wrapped in cloth crying at his front door, being the kind man he was he took her in and raised her as his own no matter what others thought; not even giving a second thought to the strange appearance of the baby.
The sun was shining brightly as Thariya was returning from the market, purchasing meat and vegetables for her special meal tonight.
It was Rohir's birthday and she wanted to treat the man to a lavish dinner because of all the years in which he put towards her life.
She took the longer path home, passing by the stables where her beloved Fréaláf resided. He was a dark brown coloured horse with a white stripe down the centre of his face and like all horses in Rohan, he had an extremely strong bond with his rider. Thariya was not Rohan by blood but it was were her heart belonged. She climbed into his pen as the horse trotted towards her nuzzling against her face.
"Fréaláf, my good boy." She whispered revealing a juicy red apple that the horse happily munched on. Whilst the people in her town were friendly she had no friends besides her horse. Whom she justified was more intelligent then he seemed and more accepting than the people of Rohan.
"I know I haven't ridden you for so long my friend. Tomorrow I promise." She smiled softly at the horse stroking his mane, whose eyes seemed to light up.
After a short while she entered the small hut they both resided in, she started a wooden fire and cooked the chicken until it was roasted, adding rosemary which was Aldburg's signature spice for trade with Edoras and other Rohirric settlements.
She prepared the meal and set the table so that all was ready for Rohir's arrival as the sun set. She wiped the sweat off her brow and rolled down her sleeves trying to look presentable for her surrogate father.
Sure enough the wooden door creaked open and the door frame darkened with the appearance of an elderly man.
"Father." Thariya smiled as the man stopped to look at the table.
"What's this?" He asked taken aback as he began to clean up his face. There was a cacophony of voices and sounds outside which was unusual for the usually peaceful hill fort.
"Twenty four years ago to this day you took in a small baby who had no one in the world and raised her as your own, this is her way of saying thank you." Thariya said confidently smiling.
"My dear this is wonderful." Rohir gave her a rare smile as he came and wrapped the young girl in his arms.
"My life was blessed when I found you on the door and I have had the pleasure of watching you grow up into this beautiful young woman." He finished smiling widely at her.
"I still do not know what my purpose is." Thariya felt tears prickling in her eyes. She had always struggled with her identity, not knowing where she came from or what was her destination? Well that troubled her.
"You have a long life ahead of you child, I have no doubt you will find your way in this world." He smiled reassuringly wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Let me clean up then we shall eat this wonderful dinner." Rohir grinned as Thariya returned a smile.
The clamouring outside the village had grown stronger and there were panicked shouts. The two gave each other a look before Rohir started towards the door.
"Father!" Thariya called out afraid.
"It is alright Thariya, I am just going to see. Please stay indoors." He instructed kindly as she nodded.
Rohir left Thariya alone with her thoughts, her usual calm and collective demeanor had been replaced by irreversible worry. When he did not return after a few minutes Thariya began pacing furiously across the hut. She wanted to investigate but he had told her to stay.
Suddenly a blood curdling scream erupted from the village and that was when Thariya suspected something was truly wrong. She threw on her cloak around the worn tunic and took up her father's sword around her waist, though it was heavy and she did not know how to wield it. Retrieving her courage, she held the sword out in front of her and pushed the door open. Her blood ran cold at the sight in front of her.
The settlement was on fire, crops and livestock were burning along with the village. Men, women and children were screaming and frantically running for their lives. Thariya was pulled into the fray, running to find the man she was looking for.
"Father!" She shouted into the darkness but her voice would not carry. Men were appearing from all directions cutting down villagers in their path. Thariya was frozen, she had never seen such senseless violence. And blood. So much blood from her neighbours and people she had grown up with.
She began retching on the side of the huts, as her stomach gave way. Once emptied, her legs were weakened and she tried to find the strength to search for her father once more.
"Rohir!" She shouted but before she could go further, a firm hand yanked her hair down, as she fell backwards onto the grassy plain.
"Well look who we have here boys." The man above her had long black hair and rotten yellow teeth. He gave her a toothy smile as she tried to scramble away, but another man held her legs down.
"Let me go! Father! Father!" She screamed hoping someone would hear, but there was no one around her. Curiously the screams had stopped, that was when dread crept into her heart.
"You're a feisty one aren't you? Skin as black as night." The wild man licked his lips.
"Don't touch me you filth." She spat angrily in the man's face with tears blurring her vision.
"You bitch! Look around we have slaughtered your village, no one you care about is alive and now it's your turn." The men laughed around her as the wild man grinned evily.
So Thariya's fate was decided, she was to die alone by these evil men. She closed her eyes and whimpered in fear. The cold metal knife piercing her flesh, caused her to let out an unearthly scream and she fell to darkness.
…
"Thariya.."
She was dead. She knew she was dead, it was dark all around her, she felt where the icy touch of the blade had invaded her skin and looked around the lifeless void.
"Thariya.."
But there was that voice again, pulling her towards a small light that had begun appearing at the edge of her vision. She gasped as she was suddenly standing in the middle of a clearing.
There were silver trees around her with golden hues and shimmering flowers growing all over. She was standing on bright green grass in a small clearing where there was a stream. Thariya was suddenly aware of her dry throat and ran to the stream gulping the water hungrily. The water was clear and on the sandy riverbed were jewels unlike anything she had ever seen.
She took in the surroundings once more. She was sure she was dead, the last thing she could remember were the evil men.
"I'm dead." Her voice was devoid of all joy and shuddering in fear
"Not quite." A voice filled with mirth replied.
Her confusion only increased when a bright golden light appeared on one side of the clearing, causing her to shield her eyes. The light shimmered and metamorphosised into a figure. Thariya opened her eyes carefully lest she be blinded.
He had transformed into a tall looking man basking in a golden glow. He took the appearance of a handsome blonde haired man with muscular features that seemed to tower over the trees. Thariya was suddenly very afraid and began to back away from the figure who held out an arm towards her.
"W-Who I mean what are you?" She asked incredulously as the magical being stopped his advances towards her.
"I am Irmo and I welcome you to the Gardens of Lorien. Please do not be afraid child." The man inclined his head politely.
"I-Irmo?" Thariya stammered walking slowly towards the being but keeping her distance.
"You mean you are one of the Valar?" Her shock was evident as she felt weak legged and sat on the grass.
"You know of me?" He raised an eyebrow shocked of her knowledge.
"I was a voracious reader. It was rare to have such an elvish book in our town. You mean to tell me you are Lorien? Master of Visions and Dreams?" Thariya checked feeling less afraid and more confident.
"I am impressed one of the Atani has so much knowledge of the Valar." Lorien nodded smiling slightly.
"If you are Irmo and I am in the gardens, it means that I am dead?" Thariya held her breath seeing the Valar's face fall slightly.
"In a manner of speaking. Your body is dying in Aldburg but I rescued your soul so that we may talk." Lorien said gravely.
"You want to talk to me? What for?" Thariya was baffled.
"I want to return you to your body alive." Lorien stated.
Thariya paled at his words and was trouble comprehending her surroundings and the events taking place.
"B-But why me? I'm no one special." Thariya contemplated. Lorien smiled fondly at the young woman in front of her.
"My dear haven't you felt your whole life, that you were meant to serve a higher purpose?" Lorien gently probed and his suspicions were confirmed upon seeing Thariya's face in realisation.
"In the second age, after the banishment of Morgoth his servants still remained faithful to him. His most powerful ally was a maiar named Sauron. He was a cunning and powerful magician who despised the world of men which ultimately led to the downfall of the Kingdom of Numenor." Lorien began telling the story as Thariya was captured by this new knowledge.
"Along with wizards who stood for the free people of middle earth, the Valar granted special mortals the ability to glimpse into the future."
Thariya's eyes widened in awe and shock. There was a lot more to the world than her small life in Aldburg and beyond the world of men. There were numerous races living separately unknown to each other. And this rich history behind Middle Earth.
"Nauth Herdirs they were called. Which translated to 'Mind Master' in Sindarin." Lorien explained.
"Sindarin?" Thariya felt strangely calm despite the situation.
"Language of the elves. These Nauth Herdirs amongst having visions were able to read minds, see memories and thoughts, dreams and even manipulate minds of others. I was charged with choosing these individuals at the beginning of creation, special souls who radiated light." Lorien closed his eyes briefly in fond memory.
"What happened?" Thariya dared to ask causing the Valar's expression to become grim.
"Sauron hunted them. He tortured and killed many Nauth Herdirs and those not strong enough were manipulated and used as weapons to try and wipe out the world of men." Lorien finished as he saw the young woman trembling before him.
"What does this have to do with me?" Thariya all but whispered already knowing the answer.
"I think you know my dear." Lorien gave her a sad smile.
"You are destined to do great things, I do not have the gift of foresight but you will have a big part to play in the war to come. If that be your choice." Lorien finished looking at her expectantly.
"The war?" Her eyes widened as she remembered the killing in her village. A war had significantly greater consequences.
"Yes my dear, the time has come where Sauron the Deciever has returned to power. A shadow grows in the East and the free peoples of Middle Earth will have to make a stand." Lorien's voice was ringing throughout the garden.
Thariya thought on his words for a moment. She was not prepared for a war, she couldn't even save her father at the hands of a man. What could she do against a dark lord?
"I have a choice?" She asked shocked as the Valar nodded.
"Yes, either you accept your fate as Nauth Herdir and I return you to your body. But at a cost, you will not be able to communicate with words. However in time, as your abilities developed you would be able to speak to others using your mind."
"Or, I will allow your soul to find its way to the halls of Mandos." His gaze bore into her own.
Thariya let in a sharp intake of breath. She would be allowed to live her life but she would never talk again. Her heart suddenly pained as she clutched her chest in realisation. Her village was burnt down. Her father gone. There was nothing left for her on middle earth.
"This is the price of returning your soul to your body when it has been so badly damaged. Unfortunately taking away your ability to speak so that the rest of you may live." Lorien smiled sadly.
She considered all he had said with doubt, but then she remembered her father's words. She was being given a second chance, blessed with a new life. Her father believed she was destined for a greater purpose and she would find her sense of purpose and make a difference in the world. With new resolve she looked back up at the Valar staring intently at her.
"I choose my destiny. I choose to be a Nauth Herdir." She said with determination.
"A brave choice indeed." A wide smile broke out on Lorien's face glad she had not chosen the easy way out. Special indeed. He makes to himself.
"But a word of caution dear one." His face turned serious.
"You are not forbidden to love or choose companionship with whomever you wish. But the connections you make, they can be used against you, once you use your gift Sauron will be hunting you and he will also be connected to your mind and know of the people you care for. Which is why traditionally Nauth Herdirs do not enter into courtship or marry, as other races are reluctant of the dangers." Lorien warned her.
All Thariya could do was nod stiffly trying to digest everything the magical being had told her.
"I'm ready." She breathed out.
"I will ensure your body returns to a safe place so you may start your journey. Be wary of who you trust." Lorien advised.
"A safe place?" She asked.
"Close your eyes dear one." His voice soothed her as her eyelids fluttered close she was sent off into a state of limbo then disappeared from the gardens.
"Hmm." Lorien looked thoughtfully at the spot the woman had just been sitting.
"What is it my love?" A musical voice tinkled from behind him.
Lorien glanced and saw his wife approaching to sit beside him. She was clad in her grey cloak but beautiful nonetheless, her silver aura complimenting his golden one. Her words already healing his worries and fears.
"Nothing, I just have a feeling about this one. Her fate is tied to the fate of the one ring. It will be interesting to see how she fares in her new life." Lorien mused.
"I have healed her body of it's wounds and have placed it close to Rivendell. The elves should find her soon." Estë replied gently touching her husband's hand.
"Yes, it is best not to return her to the site of so much death. But I am afraid that is what now lies ahead of the young Nauth Herdir." Lorien's eyes darkened.
"Don't be so quick to despair Irmo. Her choice has already begun to change the events that are to come." Estë reassured her husband.
"Yes but for good or bad, that remains to be seen. The choices she makes, will change the fate of the world."
…..
"Elladan what is it?" Elrohir spotted his twin identifying a black substance smeared across the rocks.
"Orc blood." He spat with disgust as the younger brother joined him.
"It seems the guards were right, they had found a single orc roaming near the border and slain it immediately." Elladan mused.
"It was wise of father to send us to investigate." Elrohir looked to his brother before wandering to a nearby rock.
"Indeed. Though it was needless, we will return to Imladris with good news." Elladan sighed relieved.
"Perhaps we ought to take the secret passage back home, just as a precaution?" Elrohir suggested as his brother agreed.
"Wise words Elrohir though I am shocked they appeared from your mouth." Elladan smirked at the younger as they began walking towards the entrance to the hidden passage.
"Well you cannot blame me I follow example." Elrohir grinned ducking from a swing made from the older brother.
"I think Estel is the wisest of us." Elladan said thoughtfully.
"Yes it is strange despite him being a mortal man." Elrohir agreed.
"And very much younger." Elladan finished.
"And besotted with our dear sister." He grinned at Elladan who rolled his eyes.
Both twins were close to one another despite their constant bickering. They were beloved by their father Lord Elrond and younger sister Arwen Undomiel. Known as fierce warriors and renowned in Rivendell for their quick wit and master pranks which no one escaped from.
Aragorn or Estel as he was known in Imladris, was the victim of their pranks but having grown up with the brothers he was immune and had developed a great friendship with the twins. And an even greater love for their sister.
As warriors who had seen the horrors of battle they were prepared for most situations, but none prepared them from what they saw next.
"Elladan, what is that?" Elrohir walked towards the passage and gestured to the obstruction.
"That my dear brother, is a mortal woman." Elladan remained calm despite his surprise.
Suddenly the woman's body convulsed and shot up as she gasped for air breathing deeply. She scrambled to her feet and waved her sword at the two newcomers, not knowing if they were friend or foe.
"Who are you? What do you want?" She willed her body to speak but no sound came out. She let out a deep sigh remembering the deal she had made.
The elven brothers remained unfazed by her threats and more curious as to her appearance. Darker skinned woman were uncommon this far north and she also had a tall stature for a mortal woman.
"My lady you are in the valley of Imladris, the home of Lord Elrond." Elladan replied with an amused face.
She gaped silently at the elves unable to speak pointing towards her mouth. This was going to be harder than she thought, she signed watching the confused faces of the elves.
"Maybe she's hungry?" Elrohir whispered to Elladan who simply shrugged.
"You are in the valley of the elves." Elrohir replied calmly.
"Now we ask, who are you?" The younger brother stepped forward as Elladan eyed him with interest.
She flailed her arms in desperation trying to communicate but she had no knowledge of how to. If only she had parchment and ink to write with.
"Why doesn't she answer?" Elrohir turned to Elladan who studied her.
"I do not think she can speak Sindarin." Elladan glanced at her.
Her village had just been massacred, she was the sole survivor and had just been brought back to life by a Valar. She didn't know who to trust. But seeing the calm demeanor of these elves and the way they kept their weapons sheathed, she felt as though they may yet be trustworthy. She slowly lowered her weapon and sheathed it back into her belt.
"My lady, I am Elladan and this is my brother Elrohir. We are the sons of Lord Elrond." Elladan tried a different approach speaking Weston, trying to calm the mortal down. Thariya seeing their introduction thought they meant no harm.
"Brother it's not a matter of her not answering, I think she has the inability to speak." Elladan said softly.
"She's a mute?" Elrohir whispered as his brother nodded.
"My lady are you able to speak?" Elladan probed the question.
Thariya shook her head eagerly happy they finally understood; but she felt herself succumb to the darkness and her body crumpled to the ground, as she lay unmoving.
The twin elves made their way swiftly to her as Elrohir checked her wrist.
"She is breathing." He sighed with relief.
"Well this is an interesting turn of events." Elladan smirked his eyes fixated on the young woman unconscious on the ground.
"I am sure father will be equally curious to learn of her story."
A/N: How was that for a first chapter?
Irmo = Lorien who was the valar in charge of visions and dreams. I'll be using the names interchangeably. The garden of Lorien is in Valinor (the undying lands) where elves go when they fade.
Este = his wife and she was the valar of healing and rest.
Nauth Herdir = literally translates to Mind Master in Sindarin.
I may continue to include them in this story! Just assume when the elves talk to each other they are speaking Sindarin and when they talk to Thariya it's in Westron (English).