Hello all! Welcome to Chapter One of my first fic ever! This is a story I thought of not too long ago, and so it's very fresh in my memory. I hope to update as often as possible, which will most likely be every two weeks or so, with a couple thrown in whenever possible. I am writing this story's draft with pen and paper, and am currently around the beginning of the second book, so I should be able to keep updates coming. Thanks for checking it out, and enjoy!:)
*A/N at bottom...
Disclaimer: Anything Tolkien created in his genius is owned by him-I own nothing except for my Aurelina
Prologue:
It had been determined. The nine companions, The Fellowship of the Ring, would set out on the quest to destroy the Ring of Power and defeat Sauron. They had set out late December, leaving the Last Homely House East of the Sea.
They traveled through Hollin, and attempted the Pass of Caradhras, which proved unsuccessful due to Saruman's fell voice. They then passed through the Doors of Durin, entering the long dark of Khazad-dum. There, they learned of Balin's fate, and faced the evil within Moria-a Balrog of Morgoth. There, Gandalf the Grey fell, uttering his last words of guidance to the Fellowship, "Fly, you fools!"
The remaining members of the company, now led by Aragorn, son of Arathorn, fled the Dwarrodelf, making for the fair wood of Lothlorien.
They were taken across the sweet Nimrodel, led by Haldir of Lorien. They were then taken to meet the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel of the Wood in Caras Galadhon. There they would be witness to an exchange of more than just tidings.
Before~
The sun, the breeze, the crisp Autumn air, these things were only temporary that fateful day.
A young female elf and her parents strolled gaily through the woods near their small home nestled in a hidden clearing in the Fangorn forest. The day was beautiful, a blessed one no less, it was the young elleth's birthday. She was turning 36 this day.
Laughing happily, and blinded by their bliss, the family failed to notice the silence of the usually lively birds, or even the hushed shuffle of clumsy feet dragging over dead leaves.
Just as they reached a beautiful clearing in the trees, the Mother heard a sharp twang of a bow, and watched with horror as her husband fell, a single arrow protruding from his chest, still clutching his young daughter's hand.
She knew she must act quickly.
She dropped the basket she was carrying, and pulled her daughter into her arms, running back towards their home. Arrows shot past their ears, whizzing with speed. Her daughter was crying now, terribly frightened and shocked.
She began to speak to her, knowing with some certainty that she would not have much time, "My daughter, my beloved Aurelina. You may not understand now, but you are the last of our people. I promise that because of this, you will endure. You are strong, my daughter, do not fear your foes." Aurelina was watching her with wide eyes, silent now, but still as scared as ever.
Her mother realized she would not be able to make it to their house; so instead, she took a sharp turn into the brush lining the path. She set Aurelina down in a small depression in the ground, surrounded by tree roots.
She grabbed her daughter's shaking hands, "I love you iell nin; your father did too. We will always watch over you from the Halls of Mandos. Farewell my daughter."
With tears in her eyes, she left Aurelina in the roots and ran out towards the orcs, shouting randomly, trying to lead them away from her hidden daughter. Within mere seconds, she was surrounded. The circle of foul beasts closed in on her, enjoying her growing fear.
Suddenly, they parted, making way for a tall, menacing figure, as it moved into the circle. His dark eyes had a malicious glow to them, giving him a look of hatred and evil, which in turn caused a chill to work it's way up her spine.
He whisked towards her, lifting her by the throat and drawing a blade, in one swift move.
"Haven't you ever seen a knife before?" He taunted, reveling in the fear in her eyes. "Well…even if you have not, I intend to introduce you."
After his last word, he dropped her sliding the knife across her neck as she fell.
She landed, dead, at the ground beneath his feet. He stepped over the body, asking the orc captain, "Now, where is the young one? Am I correct in assuming that you have not killed her?"
The orc captain groveled at his feet, "Yes My Lord. She has not been slain. Her mother here hid her off the path."
"Well, we must find her then." He was now pacing in the clearing, "You will bring her to me, alive, within the next hour, or you may end up like her poor, poor mother here." He glared down at the orc captain, who was now backing away, head bowed, to the other orcs.
"Y-Yes My Lord, of course, My Lord." He snaked away, and then dashed to the edge of the clearing where all the orcs were gathered. He began shouting orders, and the vile creatures fanned out into the woods in search of the girl.
Aurelina had watched hopelessly, as her mother sacrificed herself for her. Her parents, whom she loved dearly, were now dead. Her mother had told her she was the last of her people, but she didn't know what that meant. She was an elf, but surely there were others like her somewhere.
She had seen the cloaked figure kill her mother, crying silently, as she then she watched him pace around the clearing.
She finally understood what was happening when she saw the ugly creature at his feet order the rest of them out into the woods.
They were looking for her.
She now had to choose. She could wait, hoping against hope that she would not be discovered, or she could run, and try to put enough distance between her and the creatures so that they could not catch her. There were so many of the brutes searching for her, she decided it would be foolish to stay where she was. The searchers had not quite reached her yet, so, gathering the last of her courage, she sprung up and dashed off into the trees.
The nearest orc took up the chase, calling to the captain, "She's running! She's running!" the other orcs left their positions and ran in a swarm after the fleeing elf.
In a way much like her mother, she ran, but soon, the horde of pursuers encircled her, having gone around and ahead of her. Frantically searching for a break in the wall of vermin surrounding her, she ran from end to end, calling for her Ada and Naneth, only to fuel the sadistic amusement of the orcs.
Much like before, a break formed in the tight circle, allowing the man who had killed her mother to step into the ring.
He glided towards her shivering form, crumpled on the ground. "Hello young one." He drawled, playing on her fear.
Aurelina looked up as he came even closer. For the first time, she saw his face. His skin was paper white, with hollow, sunken eyes, black, but for a small red glow hidden in his pupils. His nose was long, with ridges lining the bridge, and his is black lips were curved into a sardonic grin, adding to his evil aura.
Just as soon as she had looked up, she turned her eyes away from the sight of him, covering her face with her hands. He cackled wickedly, the orcs following suit.
"Won't you be a valuable token." He murmured just loud enough for her to hear. Then, raising his arm, he struck her hard on her head, forcing her into a world of black.
A/N: Next chapter should be up soon! R&R please, I would love to have some feedback!:)
BTW, I know the name 'Aurelina' is not elvish, but she comes from a slightly different race of elves. They'll have some differences from any other ME elves along the way, and I'll try to point them out.
Elvish translations:
elleth- female elf
iell nin- my daughter