Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings. The rights belong to whoever inherited them after Tolkien's death.
A/N: I'm not trying to rewrite the story. I'm just inserting an OC. Hope you enjoy!
Lord of the Rings: Through a Princess's Eyes (Part 1)
Chapter 1 – Of Stories Old and New
Everyone has a story to be told. Whether or not an audience will take the time to listen, that is their decision. What is also debatable is when someone's story begins. Does it begin at the start of one's life, when a great, inevitable event befalls the person, or simply when one says so? I suppose the problem could be solved by the storyteller, whether it be someone who did not know the person at all, or the person themselves. But should the decision fall to the former, it can be rather dangerous for the story itself. However, it is also undeniable that what happens in one's life can be greater than anything a mere storyteller could conjure up in his or her imaginative mind.
Such is true of my own story. And I shall give my audience the great honor of telling it myself. Before I begin, however, I now make an oath stating that everything that I am about to relate is fact. Who am I to make such oaths? I shall tell you. I am Aminta, princess of Lore, the youngest daughter of its King Kyros and Queen Ione. Why have I never heard of Lore, you ask? Well, we are a small, isolated kingdom located in the northwest of Middle-Earth. I don't find it surprising that our existence should not be recorded outside our own chronicles.
So, to be fair, I shall begin not where I make my first appearance, but when my people do. We are of the race of Men. Throughout the Second Age, we lived as a tribe descended from the Edain, Men of the First Age who were known for their alliances with Elves. However, we lived near the Haradrim, stubborn Men of the South who desire power above all else. So after having too many "disagreements" with our neighbors, and discovering that the Second Age was drawing to a close, my people decided to migrate to the North, led by our noble chieftain. It would prove to be a long and difficult trek, one that would test my people to physical and emotional extremes.
Not only did we have to pass through Gondor to escape the great war occurring in Mordor, our chieftain came across a group of four siblings: three sisters and one brother. It was soon discovered that they were the children of none other than Anárion of the House of Elendil. They were being kept in what would become the city of Edoras for their safety, but they had long since run out of adequate resources. Our chieftain resolved this by offering to take them to Lothlórien, where we had planned on going to rehabilitate.
After many negotiations, our chieftain escorted the four siblings with us to Lothlórien, where we stayed for about a year. It was not long before we decided to leave that the death of Anárion had been announced to his children. While his two younger daughters chose to return to the south with their brother Meneldil, the oldest stayed with us, for she was now in love with our chieftain. However, it wasn't until we reached our current location – which is east of the Blue Mountains and west of the River Lune – that they married, thus forever linking the royal bloodline of Lore to that of the Dúnedain. That, in short, is how my royal blood came to be.
Time does not permit me to tell of the next three thousand years of my people, but I will say that we've had our fair share of unfit rulers and wars, both civil and with neighbors. For now, I will begin with my father and mother.
My father is the noble King Kyros, who came to the throne in the year 2968 of the Third Age. He is the most accomplished swordsman in Lore (and our kingdom has produced many fine swordsmen). I suppose it would be fair to say that I have inherited most of my traits from him. My childhood was filled with stories of old that he would tell me and my siblings, ones that he himself learned as a student of the great wizard, Gandalf the Grey. It was those tales that fuelled the fire of my adventurous spirit. I longed to see what was beyond the mountains or the river, and I was determined that I would live new tales that I would one day tell. But I never forgot that home was the one place I would always return to.
My mother is Queen Ione. She and my father married shortly after he became king. Their families favored the match, but Mother insisted that she would only marry Father if she loved him, and he her; thus much of what I learned about love, I've learned from her. She's also the primary reason that my family is so large, since it was she who wanted to bring all nine of us into the world. But while she may appear to be sweet, which she most certainly is, she is perhaps the best archer in the kingdom, sometimes even going out to catch game with our huntsmen. And whenever she shot down a fine meal for us to eat at supper, Father would always give a toast in her honor.
And then of course, there are my siblings. I have four brothers and four sisters, all of them lovely and talented in their own way. My eldest sibling is my sister Junia. Always so calm and practical, and very good with a harp. She has always been somewhat mature for her age, so much so that we rarely catch her off guard whenever we try to pull the occasional (good-natured) trick on her.
The second is my brother Festus. As the oldest son, he is first in line for the throne after Father, and he is perhaps my favorite brother. It was he who showed me how to use a sword those first few times, and I admit I sometimes forget to thank him for it, especially now. He doesn't seem to notice though, but he could in fact be waiting for the "perfect" time to remind me.
The third is my sister Nephele. Though I hate to admit it, she's a better swordswoman than I. When I first picked up a sword in my pre-adolescent years and expressed a desire to learn how to use it, while Festus took me seriously, Nephele teased me. She is far from being a bully though. In fact, she would probably be the first one to help me if I was in any danger.
The fourth is my brother Chariton. Why he has expressed an interest in bugs all his life, I do not know. What I do know is that he's never been an indoors person. He's very kind too. Once, when I was ill, he came into my bedchamber and showed me a lovely butterfly that he had found in hopes that it would lift my spirits. And it did.
The fifth is my brother Marcius. He is somewhat similar to Chariton in that he often spends his time outdoors. However, he is more interested in larger animals than bugs, dogs in particular. I remember once when we were younger how he brought in a stray puppy and begged Father and Mother to let him keep it. They (reluctantly) did, and the dog, Beuno, has been his favorite ever since.
The sixth is the youngest of my family's sons, Bryn. While my other brothers enjoy being outside, Bryn is almost always in the library. I don't think I can recall a day seeing him without his face in a book. I suppose it's his way of seeing the world since he's not particularly adventurous. Sometimes he even has to be persuaded by Father and Mother to put his books down and go outside.
The seventh is my sister Georgia. She is perhaps the most wonderful dancer in our family, if not the kingdom. Usually when we throw a ball she's often the one who stays on the dance floor the longest, the entire evening most of the time. But while she does love festivities and merrymaking, she does know when it's time to be serious.
My last sibling is my sister Letitia. She is not only a talented archer like our mother, but she's also an excellent painter. She often paints landscapes and animals. If you ever looked at one of her paintings, you would think you were looking at the real thing itself. And, needless to say, since we are very close in age and have much in common, she is my favorite sister.
And so, after the previous eight arrived, late one September evening, out came another little girl, me! Now, I never really considered myself as interesting as my siblings, perhaps because I'm the youngest. But Mother did tell me that when I was born, the midwife claimed that she had never heard an infant scream as loudly as I did. It was as if, she said, that I was making the statement from the very start that I was going to be different.
And, in a way, I was. My earliest memories are perhaps my favorite ones. When I could barely walk, Mother decided to introduce me to her love of horses, as she did with all of my siblings at that age. She put me on the saddle in front of her, and we took a short ride through the forest near the castle. It was like magic. And since that day I had a passionate love for being outside and riding horses, since it was probably the closest I would get to having my own adventures.
Growing up, I was a somewhat stubborn and willful child, but I could be demure and sweet when I wanted to, especially if either of my parents got involved. All I wanted to do was spend my days outdoors, and I was often dragged back inside to join my siblings – those close in age to me anyway – in furthering my education, consisting of languages (I am fluent in three: the common tongue, the language of my people, and even Elvish), mathematics (which I loathe!), the physical and biological sciences, history (which I came to love most), and geography.
Though I did somewhat like my studies, and absolutely love the days I spent outdoors, both were nothing compared to what I really wanted. I longed to do something significant in my life. But through all of those years of wishing and yearning, I could never have imagined what the future held in store for me. This is where my story begins.
The year was 3018 of the Third Age. It was September the Fifteenth, and we had just moved to our winter castle. The morning was late, the sun high in the sky, and I was doing what I loved best: riding through the open fields near the castle on my favorite horse, Starfleet. There is nothing in the world like riding a horse at a full gallop, with no saddle but only reins, and it's only you and your horse. I am always thrilled when I feel her black mane whip against my face. It is probably the closest one can ever come to flying. And since it was my birthday that day, it was my own private way of celebrating. I had already been riding for hours, having gone out in the early dawn as I am accustomed to do whenever I go riding alone.
But now that the hour was close to noon, I decided to turn Starfleet home. We cantered down the pathway to the courtyard at the back of the castle. I then dismounted, took Starfleet by the reins, observed that her white coat and black stockings could use some cleaning, and we proceeded through one of the entryways: a hedge in the shape of an arch.
I saw five of my siblings in the courtyard, all occupied with their own things. Junia was reading a book, Chariton was observing a pair of blue-winged beetles he had found the day before, and Marcius and Beuno were watching Festus and Nephele as they practiced with their swords in a mock duel.
I too watched for the next few minutes, envying their great martial skill, until Festus knocked Nephele's sword out of her own hand and pointed his at her.
"I suppose I win again!" he declared.
Nephele looked at the tip of his sword, then at him, and chuckled, which brought on the laughter of Festus, Marcius, and me. My laughter of course brought the attention of my siblings. Festus smiled as he sheathed his sword.
"Good morning little sister," he said.
"And to you brother," I nodded, returning the smile.
"Have you come to test your martial abilities against us?" Nephele asked, the usual teasing tone in her voice.
"Not exactly," I replied, emphasizing my somewhat dirty appearance.
"Oh come now, I'm sure you can hold your own against us at least," Nephele said, though I couldn't tell whether or not she was joking. Did she honestly think that? I did not know. But whatever she thought, I was certain I couldn't.
"Not today Nephele," I declined respectfully.
"Well, either way, Happy Birthday," she smiled.
"Thank you," I nodded, the smile on my face slightly bigger.
But just then, I heard footsteps on the stairs which led into the castle. I turned and saw Georgia hastily coming down the steps so fast that I feared she would trip; though, with her, that seemed impossible.
"There you are Aminta," she said as she left the last step, "I don't know if this will please you but, Mother wants to see you for one more fitting."
I let out a drawn-out sigh. "Now?" I asked.
"Now," Georgia replied, a look of pity on her face, for she knew as well as I what awaited me concerning this.
I let out another, shorter, sigh. Though, while I disagreed with my mother when it came to fittings, she was also my queen. I had to obey her.
"Very well," I said, "Marcius, would you mind putting Starfleet in the stables for me?"
"Of course," he said as he stood up from the stone bench and took the reins from me. I then walked up the steps with Georgia and into the castle.
Soon, I found myself in the bedchamber my mother and father shared getting fitted for the I've-long-since-lost-count time. While I do like clothes, I don't particularly enjoy getting fitted for them, because they take as long or as short as my mother wishes. Besides, the dresses I usually wear are simple ones with shortened skirts. Hopefully, however, this would be the very last fitting before the ball that was being held in my honor the following evening.
But before I could fantasize about it and dwell on how wonderful it would be, the seamstress pulled back the strings of my corset too tightly. I swiftly breathed in a large amount to catch her attention.
"Oh, pardon me Highness," she apologized before loosening the strings. I slowly breathed out in relief, and turned my head around as far as it could go to address my mother with the most pitiful face I could make.
"Mother, is this going to take long?" I asked.
"Patience is a trait of a suitable heir Aminta," Mother replied, not a hint of pity in her voice.
I became confused. "But I'm not going to rule Lore, Festus is," I said.
"True," Mother said, "however, your father and I demand behavior fitting an heir from all of our children."
"Of course Mother," I nodded before I turned back around. Though I sometimes do not understand her logic, I hope that one day I can attain the wisdom she has.
I then slipped into the dress and finally got a view of the nearly finished version in the mirror. It was my favorite color, a pale rose pink, with a long skirt, long sleeves made of see-through fabric, and a shawl made of fur bordering the neckline, with a small bow in the center. It was definitely lovely, but I wondered if it was only the dress that would make me lovely. Of all of my father's daughters, I favor him the most. I am somewhat tan due to my many days outdoors, my cheeks are rosy, and my long brown hair is straight – but usually unkempt due to riding horses often. My eyes are hazel and, unfortunately, a bit too big and childlike, especially considering that this birthday was my thirty-second (making me about sixteen if you're using the aging calculations for normal men).
I then turned after I heard footsteps in front of the nearby open doorway and saw Bryn, reading a book as usual. But when he stopped in front of me, I got an idea.
"Bryn?" I asked, "What do you think of this dress?"
"It looks fine Aminta," he replied, slightly mumbling, his face still in the book.
"You're not even looking!" I said, annoyed at how concentrated he was.
Bryn then lifted his face from the book (finally) and said as calmly as he could, "It looks beautiful sister."
"That was all I needed to hear," I said, the annoyance still in my voice.
Bryn rolled his eyes and returned to his book. I then silently hoped in my mind that he would run into a column while he was walking. I did learn an important lesson that day, though: Never ask a boy about feminine matters.
Fortunately, my fitting ended shortly thereafter, and I was soon back in my plain dress again. Then, through one of the windows that gave a view of another courtyard, I saw my sister Letitia painting, and decided to go down and visit her. I hurried through the halls, at one point narrowly missing a couple of the servants, and soon found myself in the courtyard. Though, when I saw Letitia, so concentrated on her painting, I decided not to say "hello" in the most traditional fashion.
Instead, I snuck up as quietly and as stealthily as I could until I was right behind my sister, made sure she was not using her brush, and then threw my arms around her.
"Good day Letitia!" I shouted.
Letitia screamed, then laughed, in delight. "Don't scare me Aminta!"
"I'm your little sister," I said as I let go of her, "It's my purpose."
Letitia rolled her eyes and turned back to her painting. I looked at it and saw that she had painted what appeared to be me in royal dress mounted on Starfleet, who was in royal tack. The trees behind us and ground beneath us contained details as minute as the cracks on the trunks and individual blades of grass. I was amazed, and then I asked the inevitable question.
"Is this for me?"
"Oh, yes," Letitia replied, "Happy Birthday."
"Thank you," I said as I hugged Letitia, more gently this time, "It's beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it," she smiled. But suddenly, her smile left and she looked rather glum as she took up her brush and prepared to paint another stroke. I became alarmed.
"Is something wrong Letitia?" I asked.
"Well…" she strayed off before finally asking, "Have you seen Father today?"
"No, why?"
"Well, have you not noticed anything peculiar about him lately?" she asked.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, becoming concerned.
"I've been noticing that he's been going to more private meetings than usual, and some mornings he even has dark circles under his eyes," Letitia explained.
"Are you sure?" I asked, "Do you think he's ill?"
"If he was he would take to his bed." My sister stared down at the brush in her hands, deep in thought. Soon though, she looked up at me and said, "I think we should find out what's ailing him."
I raised my eyebrows. "Do you think so?" I asked, "If he's been going to secret meetings I doubt he will reveal what he discusses with his advisors."
"How can he not? We are his own children."
"Well," I started, "I suppose I could ask him tonight at the ball. He couldn't possibly refuse a request from me, since it is my birthday."
"We can only hope," Letitia then said, "But promise me this: If either of us discover any information, we will report it to each other. Agreed?"
I thought about it for a moment, wondering at the very idea that my own father could be keeping secrets from us, from me, and I nodded. "Agreed."
The day passed quickly. Before I knew it, the sun was setting, and it was time for me to prepare for the ball. I went into the bathing area beside my bedchamber and my two maids offered to wash my hair and apply the soap on for me. I insisted I could do it myself as usual, but they just as strongly insisted that it was my birthday and this was their present to me. They poured a fragrant, rose-smelling oil into my hair and rubbed a soap that smelled of honey on my shoulders. All the while I sat in the hot water, dreaming of tonight and what surprises it might bring.
When my bath was over, my maids dried and curled my hair before helping me into my dress. They then painted my face with blush, eyeshadow the same color as my dress, and gloss for my lips. After my face was done, they put a rhinestone necklace around my neck and a jeweled headdress on the top of my hair, made final adjustments to it, and, finally, I stepped into my slippers made of satin.
When I looked at myself in the mirror one last time, I was surprised at how lovely I was. I was truly a princess of Men, a vision in pink. I wondered what my family and the people at the ball (especially the men) would think. My maids then followed me out into the stone hallway. I could see through one of the windows that the sun had set completely past the horizon, but the candles that lit the halls gave a soft glow, banishing the darkness. I smiled in comfort.
Soon, we came to my father's throne room, which is where we held most of our balls. The guests and my family were dressed in beautiful clothes of all colors, and candles brightly lit the hall. The walls were adorned with banners portraying our family symbol: a decorated sword, and tapestries portraying horses, huntsmen, deer, and members of the royal family. There was a small group of musicians playing soft music, and on either side of the room were long tables holding all sorts of delicious foods and drinks. So far, I was pleased with how my birthday party was going. But suddenly, the two men at the bottom of the staircase below took up the horns they were holding, and blew them loudly to signal my arrival. My maids backed away, the music stopped, and everyone turned and looked at me. I felt myself blush. I'm not particularly used to an entire crowd looking at me.
It was then that I heard my father speak in his signature booming voice, "Ladies and gentleman of Lore, my youngest daughter whose birthday we are celebrating, Princess Aminta! Let us eat, drink, and make merry!"
The crowd cheered and I smiled. Father always knew what to do to lighten a situation. I then walked down the stairs, the sound of my slippers touching the stone echoing throughout the hall, and made my way to my father, who looked as proud and full of standing as ever. He bowed and I curtsied, the music began, and soon Father and I were leading the first dance of the evening.
It became a joyous celebration. Junia played a beautiful song she composed herself on her harp, and Georgia and I delighted in showing off our slippers whenever we kicked out our feet when dancing. Nephele and I even convinced Bryn, who usually sits through most balls, to join in the fun. But it wasn't until I finished dancing a jig with my other brothers that Letitia caught my attention. She stood by one of the tables and looked slightly nervous as she waved her hand in a silent gesture, urging me to come over. I excused myself from the other guests and made my way to be by my sister.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Father is alone over there," Letitia said as she pointed to him across the hall. He was standing beside his throne, smiling as he was overseeing the success of the ball. "Now is your chance to speak to him!"
I frowned at remembering my talk with Letitia, and could feel the frustration that came with it. "Sister, it's my birthday," I said, "Must we concern ourselves with what could be little more than petty political talk?"
"Yes," Letitia replied, a slight hint of sarcasm in her voice, "Now go, you promised me."
Fearing she would resort to pushing me, I (reluctantly) submitted to her will. "Very well, but you're coming with me," I said, deciding that she should have a taste of my frustration. But she gladly went with me as we waded through the sea of guests before we found ourselves standing alone before our father.
I smiled. When I saw out of the corner of my eyes that my sister wasn't doing the same, I nudged her slightly with my elbow, and immediately she did the same. We then curtsied.
"Father," I said, "if it is not an issue, could we please speak to you alone for a moment?"
Father raised his eyebrows, but he didn't look displeased. "Of course my daughters; come, tell me what ails you." He then got down from the steps leading to his throne and invited us to one of the corridors.
"Well Father, we…" Letitia began, but she was interrupted when two men I recognized as two of Father's advisors hastily came over and addressed him, acting almost as though we were invisible.
"Forgive us Majesty," one of them said, "it is urgent that we speak to you now. We have just discovered new information about…"
"Enough of this!" Father suddenly shouted. Letitia and I became genuinely alarmed. Father almost never raised his voice in front of me or my siblings, so this meant that he wasn't merely upset.
"I have come here to enjoy an evening of celebration," he continued, "And you rudely interrupted my daughters. If I must meet with you tomorrow, I will. But for now I intend to enjoy myself, am I clear?"
The men slowly took in Father's slight outburst, but then they nodded and bowed. "Of course your Majesty," one said, "Please excuse us, Sire." They then left, slower than they had come, and Father turned back toward us, the smile now back on his face.
"Now then," he said, "what were you two saying?"
Letitia and I looked at each other, frowning. Our eyes silently communicated with each other, neither of us knowing what to do. What sort of information was so important that Father's advisors had to interrupt us? And if Father got angry with them, what would he do if he discovered our suspicions? It wasn't worth it. I shook my head slightly at my sister, and she nodded. We turned back toward Father, and curtsied once more.
"Please forgive us Father, let us get back to the ball," I said.
I then turned around and went back to where we were before, my sister following, and Father didn't stop us as I feared.
I immediately put my hand to my forehead in weariness once we were back at the table. "I'm sorry Letitia," I said, "I didn't know what else to do."
"Think nothing of it Aminta," she said, "I would have done the same thing." She then put her hand on my shoulder and smiled at me in assurance. "Don't worry about it; we can get back to this tomorrow."
I couldn't help but smile in return. "Thank you Letitia."
Soon, we were invited to join another dance. And while I did enjoy the rest of the evening, the shadow of concern held its grip, refusing to let go. Before the hour grew too late, the guests began to leave after expressing final wishes of joy and good fortune. And after the last guests left, we were all persuaded by Mother to take to our beds. I changed into my nightgown, rinsed the paint of my face – without the help of my maids – and slipped into my warm, comfortable, familiar bed. But it wasn't until long after midnight that I finally fell into an uneasy slumber, after forcing myself to blow out the candle sitting on my bedside and let go of my unsettling thoughts.
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