Yoaraerea

by kpeterson

Before the day the fellowship comes together, Gandalf goes to meet with and old friend to ask her help. Though she looks to be young she is much older than she appears. Her powers are great though many doubt her. Raven is a Yoaraerea or ancient one and she has history with others in the fellowship. She is powerful, but does she have the strength to take part in another war?

1. Prologue

A/N: I do not own the Lord of the Rings.

Prologue

Gandalf the Grey watched the tall, slim, red head as she puttered around the kitchen making tea. Though he had known her for hundreds of years her age didn't appear to be any older than her late twenties. Outside in the open field, though he strained his ears, he could hear nothing but the chittering of birds and the babbling of a small creek as the water ran over the rocks. Though he hated to break the silence the old man opened his mouth to speak. "Raven, mellonin, at least hear me out." At the mention of her name the woman turned eyes the color of fire on the old wizard. Even after all the time he had known her those red eyes still froze him to the spot and sent a shiver down his spine, even though he knew she would not hurt him. He could reel the raw power radiating from the woman as she narrowed her eyes. Irritation evident in them that she did nothing to hide. "Please Gandalf, do not treat me like a fool. I know why you are here. I hear the mutterings on the wind and can taste the evil in the air. "A distasteful look crossed her face as she turned back to the task of preparing tea. "Then you know what is coming" the old wizard stated taking the tea she offered him with a nod of things. She took her own and sat across from him. She nodded her head "the only thing I do not know is what you have come to seek from me." Her tone told Gandalf she knew exactly what he wanted but she wanted to hear it from his mouth. He sighed and sat his cup upon the table leaning forward. "In three days' time a council will be held in Rivendell to decide the fate of the ring. A fellowship will be made to carry it to the fires of Mount Doom so it can be destroyed. I fear, old friend, that though they will be strong they will not be strong enough. I've come to ask you to travel with them for I fear I will not make it to the end of this quest and they will need someone to lead them. I would trust no one else with the task." He watched her as he spoke, her eyes seemed to become infinitely tired. "Gandalf, I am very old, I have seen many battles and deaths. Enough to know that his is a fool's errand. As well as enough to wonder if I have the strength or the heart to watch another. I have come to this glade for my peace. I had thought about sailing, but I cannot yet bring myself to do it. I don't see you for well upon a hundred years and all of a sudden you appear wishing me to go war?" She asked once again irritation sparkling in her eyes. Gandalf leaned back in his chair steepling his long fingers in front of his face "I hadn't wished to tell you this, but since I am desperate for your help I will." His mouth pressed into a firm line before he continued on. "He will travel with them Raven and I fear with ought you there he will fall to his death." His eyes met hers and suddenly they softened and she nodded. "I will think on it in three days' time I will have made my decision. If I agree to accompany you I will arrive at Rivendell the day of the council. If I do not agree do not come searching for me again." As she spoke she down cast her eyes to the small china cup in front of her. "As you wish" the wizard spoke as he stood taking his staff from beside the door. He could feel her red eyes up on him until he stepped into the center of the clearing and disappeared without another word.