A Thousand Words

By: Caladhiel Alcarin

Chapter 1

A Reason to Return

When I left it was because I felt as though it were my only option. I fled the Greenwood, fled Middle-Earth. I asked Radaghast to help me and I was sent to a land that seemed like my home, but I knew it was not. I made myself a home and managed to grow comfortable. There were people that lived in that land called the Maori. At first they were suspicious of me, but as time went on they got to know me and knew I would never harm them. They taught me their language and the ways of their people and taught them a little of my people. They did not fail to notice I never grew old, but I became almost like one of them. If their warriors were hurt I would heal them, I would help their women deliver their children. Although one time, a woman had severe difficulty and even though I tried so hard, she did not make it. She had no husband and no one to take her child.

"Ni bixu dai ta." (You must take her.)

I looked up.

"Dan wo bu zhidao gai zenme zhaogu haizi." (But I do not know how to care for a child.)

The chief smiled at me and put his hand on my heart.

"Ni shi weiyi de yige. Ni you yige zhaiquan yu zhege haizi, yinwei ni bang ling ta dao shijie gedi. Zhe shi ni de zeren." (You are the only one. You have a bond with this child because you helped bring her into the world. It is your responsibility.)

And so it came to be that I became the baby's mother. I named her Lin which meant beautiful jade. She was very brave, sometimes too brave and very strong. She was intelligent and sneaky, very sneaky. She had a good arm and deadly aim. My life was filled with joy and peace with her. Until about 15 years later. I heard Lin shouting from outside. I took my sword and ran outside. My eyes went wide and I lowered the blade.

"How did you find me?" I asked.

Mithrandir smiled at me.

"I have known for many long years my dear. I stayed away but now you must return."

I pulled Lin back towards me.

"I will not, I cannot."

"~I would not ask this unless I had no other choice. It has become quite clear to me that we need you.~"

It was strange, hearing the Elvish language again.

"~We?~"

"~A company of 13 dwarves and a hobbit, and in reality, all of Middle-Earth.~"

Lin looked up at me and I stroked her hair.

"~I cannot leave Lin here. She needs me.~"

"~I shall bring her as well.~"

I shook my head.

"~Absolutely not! It is far too dangerous for her!~"

"~You must return!~"

"~I left for a reason!~" I shouted.

He sighed and looked down.

"~You would let him and all your people die? Along with the free peoples of Middle-Earth?~"

I bit my lip and looked down. Even after all these years, I still loved him. The thought of him dying…..

"Very well."

I prepared to leave and told the chief why I had to leave.

"Yuan ni he nianqing Lin shi anquan." (May you and young Lin be safe.)

I took one last look at them. They had become my people and I cared for them. I knew I would probably never see them again, but I would always have my memories. Lin and I followed Gandalf away.

"Mama women qu na'er?" (Mother where are we going?)

I looked at her and took her hand.

"Women yao hui wo de tudi. Ni bixu shizong tiejin wo, ting mei yige zi wo shuo." (We are going back to my land. And you must always stay close to me and listen to every word I say.)

She nodded and I looked at Gandalf.

"We are ready."

He nodded and slammed his staff on the ground.