Ok so I've had this for a while and been really nervous about publishing. I haven't written in years and its a huge source of anxiety for me. What if I suck? What if they hate it? What if I pee my pants at the dance concert again?! Woah. Too dark.
Anyways, please read and review. I am facing my fear and asking for criticism or praise or cookies. Whatever this story makes you want to give me :)
Disclaimer: I own nothing, except my girl Kyra.
Enjoy.
Kyra had been following him for almost five days. She had seen in one of her visions that a ranger of the north was of the Dúnedain and she needed to be sure. She had found him quickly despite being new to the area. She tested his skills the first day. He wasn't bad but she was better. Kyra had thousands of years experience and had spent most of these years alone, hiding from the world, relying on her skills to keep her alive. She'd had a lot of time to practise, combined with the small amount of power she could access through the pendant of the Mother Goddess. She was definitely a formidable opponent.
The ranger, Strider they called him had come to the small town of Bree. He had arrived just before nightfall and was an Inn called the Prancing Pony.
Kyra had never been farther west than the Misty Mountains before despite her long life. From what she'd experienced she didn't like it. It had rained ever since they'd arrived. She presumed it was better in a different season. If it wasn't she had no clue why anyone would choose to live here.
Eventually she grew weary and decided to find somewhere to watch for the night. Strider wasn't going anywhere and even if he did she was familiar enough with the feel of his mind to not lose track of it. Anyways, he looked as if he was waiting for someone. Kyra left the Inn and began to weave her way through the streets of Bree towards the gates. She wouldn't stay in Bree. Far too many people for her to rest.
Up ahead she noticed four small figures. They moved erratically and stuck close together. The pendant throbbed and pulsed causing Kyra to focus more intently. Using her ability to see into an unprotected mind she gently tested their defences. Sensing their minds wide open Kyra delved in as gently as she could. They were hobbits from a place called the shire. The youngest hobbit was fairly simpleminded. The one closest to him wasn't much brighter. They shared a brother like bond. The other two were more difficult to decipher. Both were cautious, suspicious and had a feel about them that was almost fearful. Their bond went beyond friendship. Something strong linked them together. Intrigued, Kyra searched deeper being careful not to alert them to her presence.
Suddenly the pendant burnt viciously at the centre of her chest. A fleeting vision swept across her eyes. The dark haired hobbit carried the Ring. Visions of the Nazgûl swamped her sight. They were already pursuing the hobbits. The four Halflings had fled their home and had journeyed to Bree to meet Gandalf the Grey at the Inn of the Prancing Pony. The intense heat of the pendant reduced to its normal dull warmth.
Kyra knew Gandalf from her younger years. He was one of the very few people she could call a friend. Suddenly something clicked. Strider had no real motive for coming to Bree. Until now. He was waiting for the hobbits. Kyra sprinted, dodging people unnoticed. She reached the Inn before the hobbits and slipped in unnoticed by Strider. Finding a seat in the far corner where she could see the whole room including Strider who sat in the opposite corner. The pendant pulsed again as the hobbits entered and tentatively approached the bar.
"Excuse me!" the Ring bearer called out.
The Inn keeper leaned over the bar to look down at the hobbits.
"Good evening little masters. If you are looking for accommodation we've got some nice, cosy hobbit-sized rooms available Mr. Uh...?" the innkeeper prompted.
"Underhill. My name is Underhill," the ring bearer lied.
Kyra was impressed by the hobbits quick thinking. He obviously knew the danger of just a name.
"We're friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him we've arrived?" he continued.
The inn keeper's brow furrowed.
Gandalf? Gandalf? Oh yes! I remember, elderly chap, big grey beard, pointy hat... Not seen him in six months," he told them.
Kyra saw panic cross their faces. She felt sorry for them. They'd come so far only to be stood up. It wasn't like Gandalf to be late or forget and Kyra knew Gandalf wouldn't have easily abandoned the hobbits.
For the next few hours Kyra watched the hobbits and Strider from under her hooded cloak. The dark haired hobbit named Frodo moved something around in his hand. The pendant shuddered as she shifted to get a better look. It was the ring! Foolish hobbit, she wanted to scream. Cursing herself for not acting sooner, for moments later Frodo was up and pulling the youngest hobbit, Pippin away from a group of drunken locals. Frodo fell. Kyra held her breath as the ring flew into the air. She pushed out of her chair at the same time as Strider but it was too late. The ring slid onto the hobbits outstretched finger and he disappeared. Kyra's pendant burned painfully, causing her to stumble. She frantically looked around the inn for Frodo. Strider noticed her then but before he could act the hobbit appeared close to Strider's table. Kyra tried to run to them but was knocked off her feet by a drunk.
Somehow she managed to keep her face hidden and was quickly on her feet just as the other hobbits raced up the stairs. Kyra moved stealthily behind them. They paused at the third door to the left. Kyra took the opportunity to push past them. Bursting through the door, sword drawn. The hobbits followed closely behind. Strider held his sword ready.
"Let him go! Or I'll have you long shanks!" the blonde hobbit, Samwise threatened.
"You have a stout heart little hobbit but that will not save you. You can no longer wait for the wizard Frodo. They are coming," Strider warned as he sheathed his sword.
He then turned to Kyra. Strider was over a head taller than her. He had shoulder length hair that was dark either naturally or from dirt and clear blue eyes.
"You were the one from a few days ago? In the forest?" he asked.
Kyra nodded shifting her sword slightly in her hand.
"There is no need for that," he assured her, motioning to her weapon.
"I wouldn't need it even if there was," she replied coldly, as a warning.
She had an unfamiliar urge to trust him. There was something almost familiar about him. Kyra reached out to inspect his mind with her own but was met with a firm resistance.
"You are Catulian aren't you?"
Kyra recoiled tightening her grip on her sword, weary of his reaction. Strider didn't move.
"I am. You are protected. How?" she asked.
"For another time," he gestured to the hobbits.
She nodded then remembered her mask and hood. Taking it off felt like removing a layer of skin. She felt exposed. She hardly ever removed her cloak and mask. It covered the three black marks that adorned her right cheek just below her eye. They curved outwards toward the edges of her face. The hobbits started for a moment before remembering their manners.
"They still hunt them. They will have sensed it and be on their way here," she told Strider.
"We will keep them safe," Strider reassured her.
Kyra noticed the hobbits staring and awkwardly turned to them.
"Do not fear. My name is Kyra," she said to the weary hobbits.
The youngest hobbit stepped forward.
"My name is Peregrin Took but you can call me Pippin," he smiled.
Kyra took a few seconds to decipher the feeling she was getting from the young hobbit. When she did she was confused. Any man she met weren't very understanding. All they saw was a Catulian, an enemy. Pippin saw a woman.
Kyra wasn't vain but she knew she wasn't unattractive. She was medium height with long dark brown hair. Her tanned skin accentuated her high cheek bones. She'd kept herself fit and was naturally slim, thanks to her mother. Her most intriguing feature was her eyes. They were striking silver, something that was rare and earned her the name Mooneyes.
"I'm Meridoc Brandybuck. Call me Merry," the hobbit next to Pippin introduced himself.
The blonde hobbit Samwise looked at her suspiciously.
"I am Samwise Gamgee," he said
Kyra nodded in response to his briskness.
"I am Frodo Baggins," the ring bearer shifted uncomfortably as Kyra stared at him.
"Are you familiar with Bilbo Baggins?" she asked recalling the stories she had heard from Gandalf.
"He is my uncle. How do you know him?" he asked a little less hostile.
"Gandalf. He told me of Master Baggin's adventure," she said awkwardly.
She wasn't very good at small talk now that all the attention was on her.
"You know Gandalf?" he asked surprised.
"We both do. For quite some time," Strider answered pulling the attention away from Kyra.
"I suggest the young masters get some sleep. You should stay here. For your safety," Strider said.
Kyra nodded in agreement.
The wraiths arrived faster than Kyra expected. The hobbits were fast asleep when she left through the window to observe the wraiths. They entered the hobbits room silently. Raising their swords above their heads they began to plunge them into the sleeping forms underneath the blankets. A few minutes past and the wraiths pulled back the sheets to reveal the blankets and pillows Kyra had arranged earlier so the beds looked occupied. The wraiths screeched and wailed as they tore the room apart in anger. Kyra returned to Striders room. She swung through the window and turned to look down at the street. The wraiths were remounting their horses and set off through the town. Frodo was sitting on the end of the bed while the others sat wide eyed against the headboard of the bed. Strider remained by the window.
"What are they?" Frodo asked.
Kyra looked to Strider to explain.
"They were men once. Great Kings of Men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed they took them without question. One by one they fell into darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgûl, Ring wraiths. Neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the Ring. Drawn to the power of the One," Strider explained.
"They will never stop hunting you," Kyra added.
They needed to know how serious this was and how dangerous the wraiths were.
Strider nodded. He knew what the situation was. He knew the hobbits couldn't be ignorant of the danger.
Kyra, growing restless moved to the door and pulled a stool so she sat in front of it facing the rest of the room. Her legs were beginning to ache from the last week of following Strider and getting to the rooftop to watch the wraiths. The days were catching her.
Pushing those thoughts from her mind she listened to the soft murmurings of the hobbits until she heard hesitant footsteps approaching. She looked up to see Frodo walking slowly towards her.
"Yes Master Baggins?" she asked.
"Oh... I didn't mean to wake you. I was...just..." he trailed off.
"I am always awake," she said straightening herself in her chair.
"It's just that...I was wondering... Why are you helping us? I mean... you know about the wraiths and you know this is dangerous, our quest I mean," he fumbled.
"I am aware of the danger of what you carry and also of its importance. You do not need to warn me," she said gently.
"But why? It has nothing to do to you. You could just walk away and pretend we never met," Frodo half offered.
Kyra felt his worry. He didn't really want her to go. For some reason Frodo felt a pull to Kyra. She wasn't sure why but she felt a connection to the young hobbit similar to his.
"I call Middle Earth home, same as you. I wish to keep it safe. No matter the danger," she said truthfully.
"I'm glad you're here," Frodo smiled.
"You should get some sleep you will need it," she ushered Frodo back to bed.
He fell asleep almost instantly.
"Gandalf spoke of you. Your mother was also a moon eyes? She wore the Pendant of Fayara?" Strider asked.
"I inherited it from her. She carried it before the Fall. Now I do," Kyra decided the truth was her best option just in case Gandalf had told him she was the bearer.
Strider looked surprised.
"I thought it was lost during the war. May I see it?" he asked.
Kyra hesitated. She had only ever taken the pendant off once when an elf tried to cut her throat. So it wasn't by choice.
The same unfamiliar sense of trust overwhelmed her and she lifted the chain that held the pendant from around her neck. As it left her hand everything suddenly went cold and distant. All warmth drained from Kyra as it left her touch. She almost shivered at the sudden chill.
Strider held the pendant up to the moonlight. Kyra watched the light reflect off the silver metal.
She was not sure what the pendant was made of but the metal was unbreakable. It consisted of a round disc with a creamy silver stone set into it. Carved into the metal around the stone were the symbols for each of the Mother Goddess Fayara's children; Barian, a sword; Saeldur, a scroll; Felania, a bow and arrow; and Aysa, a crescent moon.
"It's beautiful," Strider remarked.
"And dangerous," Kyra added a little sharply.
Kyra felt stronger and safer as she placed the pendant around her neck, carefully tucking it into the front of her shirt, out of sight.
"What else did Gandalf tell you about me?" she asked when she felt like herself again she really hoped she could trust Strider but you could never be too careful.
"He told me you were a rarity. Not just because you are a survivor but because you have a talent: foresight," he said.
"Yes. There has been only one other recorded in our history that had this ability," she explained.
"What do you see?" Strider asked.
"I am limited to the future but only as it is at that moment. Decisions can be changed and others can interfere which in turn changes the vision. I see definite events more than once because they are set and there are no foreseeable interferences that would change the outcome," Kyra explained.
"Have you seen this outcome?" Strider asked.
Kyra didn't need to ask what he was talking about. He wanted to know if the ring is destroyed.
"I have seen many. Some good, some bad most involved young Frodo. In some he does not fare well," Kyra said.
"He is strong. Do you think he could do it?" Strider asked looking over at the sleeping hobbits.
"For now his strength prevails but it claws at him already. Trying to hold him," Kyra admitted.
She had used her foresight to see Frodo's journey. No matter what decisions were still to be made Frodo would carry the ring that was certain. Whether he would make it to Mordor and Mt. Doom were too far off to consider. There were too many things that needed to be decided and people who needed to choose a course of action. Until then Kyra's sight was blocked to the fate of the hobbit Frodo Baggins.
"We leave for Rivendell at first light. Elrond will have summoned the council. They will decide," Strider said.
Kyra returned to her seat by the door and settled for the night. If she could sleep she would have slept for days.