I hate plot-bunnies. I mean, you have a story you want to write, but they attack with a totally different story that bugs you day and night until you write it. So here's the first part of this totally different story. Unless they change their plots, the bunnies say that some old friends will show up later throughout the story, and it stands a chance of getting darker. Let me know if you think I should continue writing or find my softball bat and attack the plot bunnies. Okay.
This story takes place about 16 years after Bilbo leaves the Shire the first time, in the Hobbit.
Disclaimers: I'm pretty sure you can figure it out, no own, no money, no claim, if Tolkien created it, otherwise we'll you know.
You may do whatever you want with this story as long as you let me know first.
Email Me: Jax7@cox.net or Bandito2004@yahoo.com
Trouble Along the Way.
Elrond turned his back on the messenger elf and began to read the small scroll. When he finished reading it, he turned back to the messenger. "Thank you, rest here until you leave with the return message."
The younger elf bowed slightly and then left quickly, stopping only to step aside as Glorfindol made his way to his lord's side.
"What does the message say, my lord." He questioned expectantly.
"It seems the Dunedain, have been requested to lead a party of men to the lands of Harad. They request from the elves maps of the land that is known 'twixt here and there."
"That is not so difficult to provide. I will have the artist' begin immediately. Anything else?"
"They ask that if it is not too much trouble, whether we might provide also a guide."
"A guide? Are the maps not enough, already?"
"They want someone who knows as many paths as possible, and then is able to forge new paths."
"Mayhap, a conference with the Dunedan who will lead the trip."
"Yes, I will send for him then, but in the meantime begin the maps."
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"My lord, I thank you for granting me the time to state our case before you."
Lord Elrond studied the man in front of him. Bowing the stiff bow of the Rangers of the North, the man looked rugged and careworn but trustful and honorable.
"You're plea intrigued me. I'm sure that you know the trust of the Elves is not lightly given to Man, and while exception is given to your people, you would travel with a party of no less than a hundred men not of your race. How many rangers travel with you?"
"Myself and four others."
"Five then. We began the maps a month ago when your letter first arrived. They are near finished waiting only to be checked for accuracy. Why would you need a elven guide though I do not understand?"
"My lord, my people are excellent guides, but we would have one who knows the paths in heart and then could lead in areas where they have not yet been. We also feel an elf would be the best for this journey."
"Very well, if one could be found that would journey willingly with you, than I will give my blessing, but I'll not force one to travel with you."
"My thanks, Lord Elrond for your understanding and generoisity."
As the man bowed and exited Glorfindol stepped to Elrond's side from where he had been standing in the background.
"That went well. Do you think any would travel with them?"
"I do not know, friend, I don't know." Sighing, Elrond made his way to door. "Come let us visit the mapmakers."
As soon as the two elves stepped out of the room they spotted Luinel of Aradia walking in the halls studying some scrolls she held in her hands.
"Lady, where are you to?" Glorfindol addressed her.
Stopping in front of the pair, Luinel slightly bowed. She wore an ivory shirt, and an over tunic that was black with ivory and brown tracings all over it, the brown leggings she wore matched her tunic. Riding boots made out of leather matched the bracers on her arms. The only jewelry she wore was a small diamond encased in a mithril hold and on a slender mithril chain. Her long blond hair waved about her face, intensifying the blue of her eyes.
"I'm to the map room. I was told that the artists waited for me the make sure some maps were accurate. And where are you to."
"The map room is where we go as well. Walk with us?" Elrond answered.
"Yes."
"When did you return from your trip, Luinel?" Glorfindol asked.
"Just now. I had dismounted and was leading my horse to the stables, when I was summoned to the map room."
"How fares your brother in Lorien?" Elrond asked.
"Well, he leads a regiment of patrol guards this summer."
By this time the trio had arrived in the map room and their discussion was ended as Luinel moved away to inspect the new maps.
As soon as she finished inspecting them from accuracy, she handed them back to one of the workers to be put in a carrying case. Luinel looked around and spotted Lord Elrond towards the front of the room.
"Lord Elrond, a word with you please." Following him out into the hall along with Glorfindol, she began, "Why are those maps leading to Harad?"
"A few rangers have been asked to lead some men there. They request the maps."
"Oh, why?"
Seeing that her curiosity wouldn't be sated until he told her the full story, Elrond quickly described the situation.
"Have any elves volunteered yet?"
"None that have told me."
"I volunteer then in that case."
"NO." Both Glorfindol and Elrond near-shouted.
"Why." Luinel returned.
"I trust the rangers that lead the expedition, but not those that they lead. Why would you want to travel with them anyway?"
"The reason I would do this is because I might finally be able to go to my ancestors home."
"The land where Aradia used to be has been uninhabited by elves since before the First Age ended, longer even than Hollin; even the stones begin to forget the elves that once lived there. What do you hope to do there?"
"Elrond, Glorfindol, you both should know that though places may forget the Elves, Elves will not forget. Besides I would very much like to see where a kingdom of the Elves once was, and be able to know one of my ancient fathers ruled there. I will go."
Knowing that Luinel would go with or without his permission now that her heart was set on seeing her family's ancient home, Elrond sighed, "Very well, you may go though my heart warns against it."
Luinel = Blue Star
Celebel = Silver Star, Brother of Luinel
Harad = Land south of Mordor and Gondor.
Aradia = Ancient Elf kingdom, abandoned in the First Age. Was ruled over by Luinel's ancestors.
Please review. Flames accepted, idea's wanted, praise desired, thoughts welcomed, constructive criticism good. This story hasn't been beta'd. Next chapter up by Friday afternoon at the latest.