Disclaimer: I do not own 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. That is the sole property of J.R.R. Tolkien
"Life stands before me like an eternal spring with new and brilliant clothes."
-Carl Friedrich Gauss
Chapter I: The Incarnation of Drnugrl
Night had finally come to the ethereal dale of Imladris, or Rivendell in the common tongue, and it was well that it did, for the day had been long and trying for those who were presently finding respite there. Among them was one known as Mithrandir, though you may know him better by the title Gandalf. Being a wizard, and arguably the busiest of all wizards, Gandalf was all but spent from the day and many days prior. One would think that exhaustion would have certainly overtaken him by now; however, the Grey Wizard was currently far from a decent slumber.
At the moment he was sauntering along a narrow path that ran adjacent to the River Bruinen, just outside the borders of Rivendell, heading Southward. It was fortunate the night was clear and quite mild, with a gentle Western breeze that caused the wizard's long beard to waver and the branches of the stooping elm trees that flanked his left side to creak and rustle. On his right ran the river, its cool waters splashing and slushing softly in the otherwise quiet night. Now, you may be wondering why he was walking about in the darkness, wearied and alone, when he ought to be snug in a warm elven bed, resting and recovering himself just as his companions were. Suffice it to say, the old wizard had very good reason.
Nearly a league or so from the Valley to down along the riverside, Gandalf eventually came to slow his pace and turn towards the Bruinen, stepping quietly through the tall, smooth grass that grew there, his staff in hand, its thuds muffled by the damp earth. He approached the sloping bank of the river and it was here that he stopped. His old yet sharp eyes roved from left to right, surveying the steady flow of the water, the light of the full moon overhead reflecting in the swells of it. It seemed from this tranquil place that there was no impending darkness unfurling from the East; that the world was safe and unmoving. It was deceiving and dismal to the wizard, who knew that such things could no longer be just. The world was swiftly reshaping, though for good or evil still remained uncertain. With The One Ring in the possession of a hobbit there was hope to be had for the world of men yet.
A strong gust of wind hit Gandalf suddenly from across the river, stirring his beard and mane, billowing his grey robes and quite nearly sweeping him off his feet. He steadied himself, grasping his wooden staff in both hands. His ears perked as the rustling of the leaves and grass became whispers, speaking his name, wondering of his presence there. A faint smile crept upon his lips. He had indeed come to the right spot at the precise time. Now it was just a matter of coaxing her...
"Sister Drnugrl, why do you marvel at me so?" he spoke to no one directly, still facing the river. "Do you not recognize your brother?"
There was a long, pondering pause and Gandalf began to think perhaps she had drifted elsewhere. Again the powerful wind blew from nowhere, harassing the elms and lying the grass flat at the wizard's feet, though he himself was not bothered. Rather, it felt as if someone had graced him with an embrace, but was quickly swept away in an instant. Gandalf watched in awe as the Great Wind struck the water of the Bruinen, bringing it upward into a twirling spout, then without warning it ceased and returned to its original state.
Gandalf's smile grew somewhat sad and he drew a long, slow sigh.
"Yes, I have missed you as well, Dear Drnugrl," said he, casting his gaze upon the opposite bank. "My work has increased tenfold since last I visited you and I'm afraid that it will only continue to do so, especially in these times.
"I assume that you have heard tell of the rising power in the East? He is ever strengthening, the Dark Lord, and he means to find what was once lost to him. He knows it has been found now, as I'm sure that you do also: The One. I will not say where it lies, for even in this serene location spies of our enemy may be lending ears.
"You wonder why I am here and so I will tell you. I have come seeking your aid, dear sister. Your time has come to join me. I can no longer battle the darkness alone, now that our brother, Curumo, has betrayed us. I need you, but more importantly our Fellowship needs you. The road ahead is a haze, but I know it will not fare without effort. You must reform yourself and take to flesh. The time has now come, Drnugrl."
The Great Wind started back to him from over the river, sweeping up a marvelous torrent as it did so, passing over and around Gandalf, circling him like some sort of miniature cyclone. It left him, but enveloped the immediate wood, violently tossing the elms about, sending chunks of earth airborne. The wizard, as awestruck as he was, had to shield his face with his cloak, for the spinning gale was tossing dirt, branches, stones and other natural objects every which way in a wild fashion to the point it was rather dangerous to stand in the vicinity.
Eventually the wind died down and only the slight breeze and running of the water could be heard once more. Gandalf lowered his arm that he held his cloak up with, his blue eyes blinking rapidly.
In the shadow of the looming elm trees stood the slender figure of a woman. Gandalf could sense her wariness and uncertainty as she hovered there, so he called to her gently.
"Drnugrl, do not be afraid. Come forth into the moonlight."
To his surprise there came a swift answer from a velvety, almost inaudible voice.
"I am not afraid, Olorin. I am just unaccustomed to this form. It is... tight."
"I would have to agree!" laughed Gandalf. "No doubt it will take some getting used to, but I think in time you will find it to be less tight and more secure."
"Are they not one in the same?" was Drnugrl's soft retort, her shaded figure gliding forward away from the trees.
"Not quite." said Gandalf, watching as his sibling stepped into the pool of silver moonlight that shone down upon the path between the trees.
Naked and lithe she stood, her ashen skin seeming to reflect the light of the moon, her snow white mane cascading down around her shoulders in glistening ripples that fell to the small of her back. Drnugrl, keeper of the innocent and friend to the mother, now encased within a delicate human form. She was a remarkable sight to behold in all her purity and grace.
"I join you now, Olorin, my beloved brother. What needs are to be met? Where is this fellowship you speak of?" said she, her voice still soft, but her tone strong and unwavering.
"Needs will be met in due time. The Fellowship rests now in the valley of Imladris. You shall meet them in the morn, after you have been permitted by Lord Elrond. In the meantime, I think it best if we found you some suitable attire so that you may clothe yourself. You'll soon discover that this particular form is highly vulnerable and should be kept secret from others."
Together, brother and sister Maiar walked along the path beside the River Bruinen heading for Rivendell, speaking to each other in tongues that only they could comprehend, delighted to be in like company for a change.
Author's Note: Hello to you all who have taken the time to read this. This is my first 'Rings' fiction, so be gentle with me. I consider myself a diehard fan of the Tolkien universe and hold a high regard for it, not only because it is so beautifully rendered, but because it actually has a special place in my heart for personal reasons. With that said, I will do my utmost best in the telling of this tale and I can only hope others will find it enjoyable. I am open to criticism, but please, no flames. I've done much studying on the lore of this series, but I may miss things from time to time, or even get something wrong. Please feel free to correct me and explain. If something is unclear to you, don't be afraid to ask me in a review or PM. In addition to Tolkien's lore, there will be some of my own mixed in here. Key word 'some'. This story will be long and detailed, for it will span the entire trilogy. Updates will vary. Though I may throw in a bit of bookverse in here, this story will be based for the most part on the Peter Jackson movies. That is all I have to say at the moment. Take care!