Hey everyone! Maethorelen here!
To everyone who has been reading Dig Down Deeper: yes, I am still writing it. But this stupid plot bunny won't leave me alone!
I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I only own my OC's.
The Elenmîr
Chapter 1: The Order of Legend
The world is changing. Darkness is rising.
Elrond stood up from his chair upon hearing the Lady Galadriel's voice. I know, he replied. I can feel it as well.
A choice is upon you, Galadriel stated. To continue believeing in the strength of all the free peoples of Middle-Earth, or trust only in the Elves to survive the coming shadow.
What would you advise me to do? asked Elrond.
Call upon the free kingdoms of Elves and Men. We are not alone in this universe. There is another realm, and it is there that our hope still lives.
Elrond stood in silence, contemplating his choices. "My lord?" a voice called.
The Elf lord whipped around to see Erynion, one of his trusted advisors, standing in the doorway. "Send out messengers to Mirkwood, Gondor, Rohan, and the Dúnedain," he ordered. "I will be holding a council to determine who shall undertake a quest to prepare Middle-Earth for the dark times ahead."
Erynion nodded his head. "Yes, milord."
I have made my decision, Elrond thought.
Galadriel smiled. You have chosen wisely.
~o*o*o*o~
A few weeks later, delegations began arriving in Rivendell. First came the delegation of Lothlórien, led by the beautiful Lady Galadriel upon a pure white palfrey. The White Lady immediately spoke with Lord Elrond about the council. A few days later, the grey company of the Dúnedain rode in. Leading them was a dark-haired man with a silver brooch shaped like a hawk.
"Mae govannen, Lord Elrond," he greeted.
"Mae govannan," Elrond replied, looking quizzically at the man. "You are not Aragost," he stated.
The man laughed. "Nay, I am Eradan, son of Eldacar. I come in the Chieftain Aragost's stead."
Elrond nodded. "I understand."
Next came the escort of Gondor, led by the Captain Herion. "Lord Elrond," he stated, removing his helmet to reveal his reddish-brown locks.
"Greetings, Captain Herion," Elrond responded. "I assume you are coming in the stead of the Steward Cirion."
"Aye," Herion nodded.
Thranduil and the company of Mirkwood rode in less than a day later. They were soon followed by the company of Rohan, thundering in of dozens of strong horses. "Is Eorl among your numbers?" Thranduil asked. "For I much desire to speak to him."
A young blonde man shook his head. "Nay," he replied. "King Eorl had to attend to other matters and sent me in his stead."
"And who may you be?" the blonde elf next to the Elvenking questioned.
The man glared at him before replying. "I am Fastred, son of Fengel. And now that I have given you my name, I ask for yours in return."
"I am Feredir, loyal advisor of King Thranduil," the elf retorted boastfully.
Thranduil watched the exchange amusedly. Suddenly, a deep horn blast sounded in the distance. "Come, it is time for the council," Thranduil instructed, walking towards the council terrace. Feredir followed, giving Fastred a fierce glare before he left.
Elrond and Galadriel stood at the front of a wide semi-circle of chairs. Feredir took his seat beside Thranduil as Elrond began. "Elves and Men of distant lands, I have summoned you here to discuss a very important matter."
"Darkness had yet again begun to rise in Arda," Galadriel stated. "The Last Alliance of Elves and Men must stand once again, for this shadow may be upon us sooner than you may believe." Murmurs erupted among the council members. Another shadow? Herion thought. He remembered reading the tales of Sauron and the One Ring. Isildur had cut the Ring from the Dark Lord's finger. Surely that wouldn't happen again? Galadriel noticed the many worried expressions in the council. "Do not fear, for hope still lives, but not in this realm." All of the council members stared at her in confusion.
"Our world, Middle-Earth, is not the only realm in existence," Elrond explained. "Another exists, and it is there our hope lies. For within that realm, there is a collection of books that contain a vast knowledge of the events in Middle-Earth: events in the past, the present, and perhaps the future."
The council once again began to mutter amongst themselves. "Another realm?" Eradan breathed.
"It cannot be possible," Fastred replied.
Galadriel and Elrond exchanged glances, knowing that many would doubt their statements. Elrond nodded to Galadriel, who took out rather large black box with two mesh circles on the sides. The Lady placed it on the plinth in the middle of the terrace and pressed a button. Immediately, the music of strings and horns sounded, causing everyone to fall silent and search for the source of the music.
After a few moments, Galadriel stepped forward and pressed another button, stopping the music. "This is a piece of technology that only exists in the other realm," she stated. "Is this proof enough for you?" The council members shifted sheepishly in there seats. Galadriel took that to mean "yes."
Elrond cleared his throat. "These texts must be studied and passed on to future generations," he continued. "Some of you must travel to this other realm and do this."
"Be warned, the realm that we speak of is a world of Men," Galadriel stated gravely. "If you choose to travel there, your appearance and lifespan will be altered to match those who live there."
All was silent for a moment. Suddenly, Eradan stood up. "I will go."
"As will I," added Herion, standing beside Eradan.
Fastred was the next to stand. "I wish to go as well."
"As do I," Feredir chimed in, joining the men.
"And I will join you." Elrond whipped around in shock to see Erynion standing with Eradan, Herion, Fastred, and Feredir.
Elrond nodded his head. "Very well."
Galadriel smiled. "You five have valiant hearts. I wish to bestow upon each of you a gift." Slowly she approached Eradan. "To you I give the Forodgîl, the Star of the North." She handed him a necklace with an amethyst pendant shaped like a six-pointed star. Next, she turned towards Herion. "To you I give the Nimornegîl, the Star of the White Tree." The captain received a necklace similar to Eradan's, but made of pearl. Fastred was also given a star necklace, but the pendant was made of a vivid orange stone. "I give you the Anorgîl, the Star of the Sun." Galadriel came to Feredir next. "To you I give the Lasgîl, the Star of the Leaf." Feredir's necklace was carved of bright emerald. Finally, the White Lady reached Erynion. "To you I give the Duingîl, the Star of the River." Galadriel also gave him a star necklace. The pendant was made of a deep sapphire. Erynion stared at it in wonder before placing it around his neck like the others had done previously. Galadriel stepped back to gaze at the five travelers. "These are the Elenmîr, the Star Jewels, enchanted with Elven magic. Keep them close, and pass them on to your descendants along with the knowledge you gain, for these necklaces with one day call its bearer back to Middle-Earth when this realm approaches its darkest hour."
Elrond bowed his head. "Farewell," he stated. "Do not forget that task that has been given unto you."
The five travelers nodded in understanding, then silently said goodbye to their companions. Galadriel stepped forward. "Farewell, Elenmîr, the Order of Legend." She moved her hands, and a bright white light began to surround the Elenmîr. "Goodbye and good luck."
The light enveloped the five travelers, growing brighter and brighter, and then, with a great flash, they were gone.
~o*o*o*o~
The darkness that Galadriel and Elrond had felt did not come to pass for many lifetimes of men. The Elenmîr passed on into tales and myths, becoming a sort of fairytale for the young children of Gondor and Rohan. However, the Elenmîr still lived, performing the task appointed to them in the new realm they called…America.
Please review!