Twilight had just fallen over Fangorn Forest and all seemed quiet. The Watchers are those who guarded the forest and the secret city of the Fae. They hid within the trees, watching the magical barrier that protected the city and forest. They listened intently for the one that would be arriving at the edge of the forest soon. Though they were not the only ones waiting; the very trees and Ents that lived and made up the forest seemed to listen and watch as well.
It wasn't long before they had spotted the form of the one that was arriving. The two Watchers leaped from their perches in the trees to land silently before the taller figure. One came up to the grey clad figure and embraced him in a short hug in greeting before stepping away.
"Talathrim, it has been a while since the last you came," the other spoke in the Common Tongue to Gandalf, the Grey Wizard.
"Indeed it has been, Ivor, Aake. Though, I assume you knew of my coming." It was not a question as he knew they were expecting him. No doubt their Lady had informed them so. The three made their way to the secret city of Entrael, home to the Dusk Court.
During this late into the season, not many of the Fae came to Entrael for the negotiations that take place every 60 years. As they had finished a few weeks before his coming, only the courtiers remained with those that protect them and the forest. Gandalf knew not of this however, and was pondering silently to himself why there were not more of the Fae folk around. It was known to him that Fae folk were more active at night than during the waking hour, or so he knew of the Dusk Court as he has not met the Dawn Court.
As it was, he would look around at the many different trees of the forest as well as the flowers and different plants that grew on the forest floor. To any Sightless, as the Fae would call Men, Dwarves and even the immortal Elves and foul creatures of Morgoth, the forest would appear to be small and ordinary, more of a patch of wood. He too, would be unable to see if it was not for the Watchers that walked with him. He had to admit, being in good favor of the Lady of the Realm might had something to do with it as well.
They trekked silently deeper still into the forest, with only the sound of the grass softly crunching under Gandalf's feet and the sway of his robes. Around them, wind rustled through the branches of the leaves of the slumbering Ents and trees.
Before long, they came out to face a large lake; larger than would have been deemed possible to lie in the forest. The area around the lake was beautiful. Wild flowers and foliage grew naturally in areas with open walled terraces scattered around with stone benches. Shimmering dew forever over the grass allowed all light; sun or moon and star light, to dance on it.
The stars would reflect on the lake water; mirroring the precious gems that lie under the forest and far off to the Dwarven kingdoms. If you looked closely you could see a stone path on the surface of the lake that appeared to be part of the lake itself. In the center of the lake, seeming to float there eerily was a stone pavilion.
Ivor and Aake led Gandalf to the edge of the lake where they called out for the Keepers of the Lake. For a while nothing came to greet them and just when they would have to turn away, as the lake would be unsafe, there was a ripple in the water. A second ripple formed close to the last. They watched the water's surface closely as dark forms emerged from the depths of the lake. As they came closer, the men were able to see that the forms were that of Syrens.
They were enchanting creatures of the water. To those that wander to the water's edge the two would lure them into the shallows with their singing. When they were close enough the Keepers would take them under the depths of the lake, to never return to the land. Even so, they are playful creatures, should they find you entertaining and interesting enough.
"Cute little Watchers from the Land have come, Darya." The one that spoke first seemed to have a slight blue tint to her skin.
On her forearms is a thin fin on the outside to help her cut through the calm water of the lake. Thin webbing linked her fingers together as making it easier to tread water. You could see patches of scales on her body as the moon light would hit her just right. Her face was angular like an Elf's. Her lips were blue as death with large sea foam green eyes that allowed her to see in the dark depths. Her long green tinted hair floated around her. Her tail that was submerged into the water was long with a fin going down the back of the tail. A side fin was on each of her hips. The tail was a deep blue with green and lighter blue scales scattered around. The fins were of lighter blue mixed with green.
"And they brought young Talathrim as well, Nilofer." The second Syren named Darya swam up to the edge of the lake with a flick of her tail.
She, like her sister was beautiful though her colors were reversed. Her skin was tinted a light green and darkened as it traveled down to her tail. Fins also adored her forearms though there was no thin webbing linking her fingers together. Unlike Nilofer, you didn't see patches of scales on her skin. Her face was slightly rounder than her twins with equally large murky green eyes. Her seaweed green hair fell around her gracefully with strands of silver and light blue.
"We will see to that he is safely across." The two Syrens spoke at the same time, their haunting voices mixing together.
Gandalf watched with an amused glint in his eye as the Syrens winked at the Watchers. They were no threat to those within the Dusk Court or those under its protection. In fact, he could see that the water maidens are rather fond of the two Watchers. The only one that they could be fonder of was the young princess that resided within the city.
The two Watchers smiled at them before giving them a bow and reluctantly headed back to their posts with a nod to Gandalf. Returning his gaze to the sisters, Gandalf waited for them to proceed. They swam to either side of the stone path and began to mutter in a language he did not recognize. He watched as the water that once hid the path moved away from it so he could take a step. As he walked down the path, water would fall away from the dark stone only to return to its place once he had stepped away from it. Within a few minutes, the three had reached the center of the lake and to the stone pavilion.
Now that he was closer, he was able to take in the detail of the wall-less building. The pillars and the roof were made of white stone that seemed to glow in the starlight. The pillars had different images of Fae folk ranging from Pixies to wood Nymphs to Sprites and Syrens and Kelpie. All was intricately carved into the white stone of the pillars. At the bottom of each pillar Gandalf took note that vines of ivy had somehow began to creep up on them and slowly spread to the center of the light grey stone floor.
Gandalf moved to the center of the stone island. It was much larger than it appeared from the land. What once looked only to be able to hold a few was actually able to hold much more than that. Again, Gandalf assumed it was the magic of the Fae that allowed it so.
As the starlight hit the stone pavilion, certain images in the pillars would glow and seemed to come to life. Winged Fae images began to flutter and dance in the area around the Wizard. Soon, there was so many flying around he could not see the area a foot from his face, they were so dense.
Then as quickly as they had come, they were gone. Replacing the scenery of the starlit lake and forest was now a grand hall with courtiers in groups throughout the hall. If it wasn't for their exotic features, they could be mistake as Elves and some Men. Servants wove in and out of the throngs to each call of the courtiers. Among the servants were Hobs and small Sprites that would listen attentively to the higher ranking Fae. Gandalf noticed, however, that the courtiers would stop their merrymaking and turn all of their attention to the servants and speak to them as if they are equals.
It wasn't long before a Hob servant took notice of the wizard that stood at the edge of the grand hall. He spoke something to a group of courtiers. A soft murmur quickly spread throughout the entire hall before a hush fell over them. They moved away as he began to make his way to the raised dais that was on the other side. Some would nod and smile at him while others gave a bow; even the females as was their customs. Gandalf gave a nod to them as he passed them.
On the raised dais were the Lord and Lady of the Eastern Faerie Realm that was on the East side of the Misty Mountains. The Lady of the Dusk Court ruled over the Solitary Fae that resided on this side of the Misty Mountains while the Dawn Court ruled over the Western side.
Upon seeing Gandalf, a knight that was kneeled before them stood excusing himself before disappearing into the crowd. The Lord leaned down to whisper something into his wife's ear before giving a nod to the wizard and retreating to a hall that would lead him to his quarters. The courtiers and servants made a point to keep a distance from the dais unless asked to approach.
Just as Gandalf stopped a few feet in front of the dais, another Fae came to stand beside the Lady with a youthful and cheery smile on her soft lips. Gandalf was able to take a good look at the two female Fae that looked like each other but then again, did not.
The younger female was the daughter, Azylea Aria Silverwing; or Aria as her Speaking Name. The Fae was still very young, only reaching her first century and a half. To her race, she has just become of age or Awakened as they would call it. It was known to the wizard, of what little he was allowed to know as the Fae was very secretive of their ways, that Fae could live far longer than even the Elves.
The Fae Princess was shorter than the rest of her family. She was shorter than the Men yet taller still than the Dwarves. Long wavy honey colored hair reached the small of her back. Grey and tan feathers were braided into parts of it with silver and green beads. Her ears softly sloped upwards to a point and peeked out from her hair. Shining pale green orbs danced with joy looked back at him, surrounded by long lashes. She wore a simple forest green dress with silver trimmings and is bare foot.
She quickly walked to the aged wizard with natural grace of the wind and embraced him in a warm hug. "Talathrim, oh how I have missed you!" Aria spoke as she released him and stepped back with a smile.
"It has been long since we last met, Azylea Silverwing." Gandalf replied before turning to the woman who stood just behind her daughter.
"Lady Ryllshori," Gandalf greeted the Lady of Entrael with a deep nod of his head.
The ruler of the Fae of the East was elegant in every way. Some saying that from watching her was how the Elves had learned their grace. Gandalf himself thought it might be true. She was no doubt however, where Aria had gained her beauty. Her eyes were two shades darker than her daughters with a ring of grey around the pupils. Her hair was also wavy and reached to her mid back. Instead of honey, like her daughter's the older female's was white. She wore a blue dress with black vines on the trimming of the dress.
"Come, Aria, Talathrim, we can go to some place more private." Lady Ryllshori spoke as she began to lead them out of the grand hall and into the city of Entrael.
The underground city of Entrael was located in a valley under Fangorn Lake. The lake itself was held up by magic done long ago by the first Fae that had settled there, one being the grandfather of Lady Ryllshori. Looking up at it, one could gaze at the mirror of stars and gems alike. The city as built into the valley itself, tiers climbing up the side. The city was carved of the same white stone as the pavilion above the lake. Around the city are trees that gave off a soft blue glow that could be seen from every point. Orbs of light called Will 'o' Wisps, hovered throughout the city, helping the trees to caste the city in a beautiful glow. Waterfalls and fountains could be heard as clear water flowed out from springs and rives somewhere else, unseen.
They continued to be lead through the city by the Lady. Few Fae were about, but those that were would stop to bow as the three would pass. They would only return to what they had been doing once the three were further away. It wasn't long before they reached a secluded area with benches they could sit on.
"Tell me Talathrim, what is the reason for your visit. I fear tis not for tea and wine that had brought you here. And, to ask my daughter be present as well." Lady Ryllshori never was one for simple things.
"You are correct. The purpose of my visit is to ask permission of young Aria to accompany me while I travel for some undefined amount of time." Gandalf leaned against his staff, watching Aria as she sat in thought across from her mother.
"And pray tell; is this an adventure or simply a friend wanting company as he wanders the Lands?" The Fae Queen asked with suspicion in her voice and a weary look in her eyes as she regarded the Grey Wizard.
"Nothing goes unnoticed by your sharp mind, Milady. That is not mine to tell as I will not be leading this expedition, but another." This caught the interest of both mother and daughter.
"Who will be leading, if not you?" Aria asked, speaking for the first time since greeting her old friend.
"As I said before, I cannot tell other than it is one that you know, though they may not realize that you do. This person will speak of the quest once we arrive at the meeting place."
Though she did not voice it, Lady Ryllshori saw the excitement and longing in her daughter's pale eyes. She knew that Azylea would sometimes speak to the Keepers of the Lake about one of her adventures with Gandalf. The princess however, seldom spoke to her or her father after what had happened to her elder brother. As of late, her daughter seemed to grow distant from even the Keepers and the citizens of Entrael that has learned to love their princess. They too had seen the change in her and many tried to lift her spirits with little reward.
She knew some of her daughter's sullen behavior was due to the void Azylea felt in her heart for her elder sibling. Another was that Azylea was a kindred spirit and was unhappy with being forced to stay within the boundaries of Fangorn Forest. No matter how much she tried to reason, Lord Nephamil would not allow his daughter to leave for fear of harm coming to her.
It did not help that after her Awakening, her father had started to bring in suitors for her hand. She knew that her daughter would refuse to marry for any reason other than love. Nephamil did not share Aria's views on the matter. Tension had grown between father and daughter rather quickly because of it.
With these thoughts, Ryllshori came to the decision that perhaps, it would be best to allow her daughter to venture out once more. Only then might Aria return to herself once more. A sigh escaped her as the Lady of the Dusk nodded her consent.
"When will you depart?" That as all that was need as Aria seemed to glow with glee and looked from her mother to Gandalf.
"Noon time tomorrow, best to prepare," Gandalf replied as he watched the young Fae hug her mother in thanks.
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Lady Ryllshori and Lord Nephamil stood on the white stoned pavilion as they bid farewell to their daughter and Gandalf. While Nephamil had not been pleased with Aria leaving, he finally agreed when Ryllshori insisted. They watched as Gandalf and Aria walked along the lake path with Darya and Nilofer keeping the deadly waters at bay. Once they had safely crossed back to the Land, the Watchers from the day before came to meet them.
"Farewell our precious princess. May the moon guide you back to Entrael when all is over," the Syrens spoke as one to the young Fae. Aria simply nodded to them before continuing on with the Grey Wizard and the Watchers.
The walk to the edge of the forest was a silent one as Ivor was at the head of the line with Aake at the end. Leaves would take the form of tree nymphs as the four would come into view. They would emerge from their trees to stand watch as the group would pass. They waved as they passed before retreating back within the tree's bark.
It wasn't long before they reached the edge of the forest, just mere feet before the barrier. Ivor and Aake bid the travelers farewell and looked on as Gandalf and Aria went through the barrier and disappeared from view.
"It would be safer if you took another form; would not want prying eyes to see you out in the open, Aria." Gandalf looked over to her with a knowing look.
"I suppose you are right, Talathrim. Will you be able to carry my pack?" Aria gave a sigh and handed over the aforementioned item to the wizard. She handed him her spear and belt that held her dagger.
She stepped away from him and took off at a run before leaping into the air. Gandalf watched as the young woman took on a blue hue before changing. A caw rang out as a silver winged falcon took the Fae's place in the sky. The clothes that she had been wearing along with her light armor fell to the ground in a heap. She circled around and dove to pick up the articles and deposit them into Gandalf's awaiting hands.
The hours seemed to slip by quickly as Aria flew on the thermals above Gandalf who rode astride a horse he had whistled for. She knew however that it was going to be weeks before they make it to Bree outside of the Shire. She was thankful for once the Fangorn Forest was so close to the Misty Mountains and the boarder of the Western Kingdom of Fae.
She felt relaxed as she would occasionally pump her wings, as she glided over the lands. This is what she had been craving for a while now. The want to leave the confines of the glowing city of Entrael and the dense old forest had been gnawing at her for years now, ever since she had last been outside of the forest with Gandalf.
She shook those thoughts from her head and instead turned to more curious thoughts of this expedition that she was to go on with Gandalf and a number of unknown others. She remembered that Gandalf had told her that the quest was going to be led by some one that she knew. She knew a great many of people, so who could it be? She seemed to let out a breath as she racked her mind for answers.
It seems like this is going to be a long trip to the Shire after all.
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Ello loves, I'm back with my very first Hobbit story~! No, I have not forgotten about my Transformers story that I am supposed to be working on. I'm just taking a break, that's all.
Anyway, I would like to thank my awesomely awesome Beta Louisiana Stephenic who has taken her time to look over this chapter and the ones that will follow. Thanks Louisiana~!
I already have more of it written up just waiting to be typed up and looked at. So, if you want to find out more about Aria send me some feedback and I will get the next chapter up and running~!
And on another note, school and all of the college prep work is making me stressed so I thought it might be nice and write something up and see if you all like it.
Nixie signing off for now~