Athor's notes
This is a very AU story.
During the ages of the lamps Morgoth was cast out of middle earth into the void by the valar
After they woke at cuivienen during the ages of the trees, long before the first age of the sun, all the Elves heed the Valar's request to go to Valinor and never returned to Middle earth.
No rebellion of the Noldor and no destruction of the trees. The sun and the moon were created BY Varda to bring light to Middle earth
In the first age of the sun, the great wars were fought by the dwarves against Morgoth "who had returned from the void 1000 years before the coming of the sun and the moon" for the control of Beleriand and the possession of the Nauglimir. Men had the dwarves as their teachers and helped the dwarf lords in the war. Beren, Turin, Hurin existed but with the difference that they never established any relationship with the Elves.
Morgoth was defeated by a direct intervention of Eru when dwarves and men were driven out of Beleriand
In the second age, Numenor existed and was colonized by the Edain but without intervention of the Valar. It sank into the oceans by Eru when it was corrupted by Sauron. There was no intention to invade Valinor and Numenoreans ignored the existence of the Valar.
The Valar never interfered in middle earth for they thought Morgoth was completely defeated during the ages of the lamps and there was no threat for the mortal races. The istari "only Saruman and Gandalf" came without the consent of the Valar
Now regarding the hobbit and the lord of the rings, here are the changes:
1. Bilbo's quest was two years before the lord of the rings
2. Frodo was adopted by Bilbo's parents at a very young age, they grew together.
3. Gloin is gimli´s brother.
4. Aragorn "As was Tolkien original intention" marries Eowyn.
5. Thorin and Kili survided, and they lead a force of dwarves to fight at Pelennor's field and the black gate
Now with the story
In the majestic White City all was quiet during the wee hours of the night. The streets, still with traces of the battle fought not long ago, were lit with the Moon's soft silvery light.
The entire population, after long years of struggle, enjoyed a well-deserved rest now that the enemy had finally been defeated and a king had returned
two lonely figures roamed the empty streets chatting quietly.
'It's amazing how fast the repairing work is underway" observed the Wizard with admiration.
"No need to be surprised" replied the yet to be crowned king "the Dunedain are renowned for being excellent builders, and the long years of war have increased even more their efficiency. The need to rebuild the defenses of the kingdom against the incessant attacks"
Gandalf smiled as he stared at Aragorn's tired face.
"At this pace, I am sure the city will be ready for the coronation in a few days"
Noticing a melancholic expression on his friend, Gandalf asked "Do you still have doubts of your destiny as king"
Aragorn smiled sadly "Is not that…it's just that so much have been lost in this war…so much death and suffering that I can't help to think of the terrible prize we have all paid for victory and freedom
Gandalf put a hand on his shoulder "it's true it was a heavy price, but now we must look towards the future…never before has middle earth been free of a dark lord's evil influence. For the first time in their history Men, dwarves and hobbits can forge their own destiny without the threat of Morgoth or Sauron.
Later that same night the maia Eonwe, messenger of the valar, spoke to him in a dream.
Gandalf was surprised when he recognized the luminous figure, a little scared knowing that this was no ordinary dream.
Eonwe smiled at him "I have miss you, my friend" he said with a gentle voice as he put a hand in his friend's shoulder"
"I suppose" Gandalf said with some doubt "That the Valar are angry for my departure to the east without their consent"
The wizard had hoperd that the Lords of the West wouldn't have given it much importance to that matter and had forgotten about it, after all they never cared much to interfere in the business of the younger races
Eonwe laughed "Angry? No no. Confussed perhaps, just like all your kin the maiar, but not angry….however you must know that you have been summoned to explain why you traveled to the east. Undo the body you have created and come with me to Valinor"
Gandalfd answered "Tell Manwe that I will go as soon as possible but by sea, I don't want to undo the form I took to walk among the younger children….I have grown fond of it"
Eonwe, who in the dream only saw the Young beautiful figure Olorin used in valinor, said with curiosity "alright, I'll tell Manwe….I am really looking forward to see you in person and see the form you have taken"
Eonwe seemed to remember something and added "by the way, the valar have decided that it has been ages since they ruled on this part of Arda and that it's time the younger children of Illuvatar to be under our guide"
Gandalf's face paled "They can't do that…they were created free and should be permitted to make their own choices
The next day the members of the former fellowship were visiting Frodo in the houses of Healing. With them were Bilbo, the new King of Rohan Eomer, his sister Eowyn, the new steward Faramir and the King of Erebor Thorin with his nephew Kili and the brothers Balin and dwalin
"I think I can discharge you today, Frodo" Aragorn said as he touched the Hobbit's forehead
Frodo looked around but saw no sign of Gandalf. He was about to ask for him but at that moment the wizard entered the room. As he approached them, they all noticed a strange expression on his face
"I have come to say goodbye, my friends…with Sauron's defeat my work on this lands is over"
He took a time to continue, as if the next words were hard for him to say "I only wish I could have stayed longer in these lands so dear to me, but I must depart to distant shores beyond the western ocean"
Everyone, even Aragorn, Thorin and Faramir who were the most versed in middle earth's history of those present, stared at Gandalf with confusion
"The west?" asked Thorin "There is nothing beyond these shores"
Aragorn added "Only old Numenor was located in those cursed water….and now it's at the bottom of the ocean"
Gandalf smiled and said
"My dear friends, I know many people have wondered about my identity or where I came from many years ago…before I go I shall reveal to you the truth".
Those present listened with growing interest Gandalf's tale about a distant land ruled by mighty beings and also details of the history of Arda that not even the wise of old knew.
When he finished, Gandald saw concern and fear in the faces of those present.
Thorin was the first to speak "You say Gandalf that those Valar are noble and kind, but our people still remembers the old days when one of them, the dark enemy, tried to exterminate us"
Gimli added "And you know that we dwarves had never been ruled by someone who is not of our race".
Faramir, who was a scholar in ancient history, said, fear evident on his face 'if what you say is true Gandalf, then, even with the union of all the free people, there is nothing we can do about it
Gandalf felt terrible at seeing their worried faces.
Aragorn, who had been pensive all the time, said with resolve
"Gandalf, if this is true, then I think you should not go alone"
He stared at those present, his eyes shining "who better than those who have fought and bleed for this land…to talk with the Lords of the west….to convince them that we deserve our freedom and tell them of all the help you have given us"
Gandalf considered the proposal for a moment
"Not a bad idea….perhaps a representative of each race"
Aragorn added "All of us will go Gandalf….everyone present here represents a kingdom or a community".
despite all the seriousness, Bilbo smiled and said to Balin "Where do I sign the new contract?"