Third Age 2011-2012
Authiel walked out of the small home that she had once shared with her parents. The people of the village had kept the house up so that when she was older she could live there again. She was now a 34 year old woman and had taken after her mother in looks. She was slender and tall, reaching a height of 6 foot. Her face was fair with full lips that were usually always smiling. Her bright sapphire eyes were always dancing with life and mischief. The soft points of her Elven ears peaked through the slight wave of her brown hair that reached down to her lower back, but was usually kept in a braid.
She was clad in the garb of the Dúnedain Rangers. She wore a dark brown cloak tied by a cord at her neck. Underneath her cloak she was wearing a pair of black breeches, with dark leather boots over them. She wore a light tunic, grey in color, and over that was a formfitting brown leather tabard with ties running down the front. Pinned on the left shoulder of her tabard was a silver six-pointed star. The sign that she was of the Dúnedain and a Ranger. Around her neck was a dark green scarf that she brought up sometimes to cover the lower half of her face. A leather belt with a silver buckle was around her small waist. She also had on a long dark green leather overcoat that ended at the back of her knees. Across her back was a quiver of arrows and a bow, along with what appeared to be a roll of leather that carried various items such as bandages and healing herbs. In her hand she held the straps of a pack that held extra tunics, breeches, and some food, as well as a wet stone for sharpening her weapons. At her waist she carried a dagger on her right hip, the one that she had since she was a child. But on her left hip she now carried a sheathed sword, the sword of her father. There was a small brown leather bag on her belt that carried a few coins or any little things she found or needed along her journey. She looked every part of a Ranger and she was as capable as she looked.
As Authiel walked out into the orange glow of dawn she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Taking in the smell of the Fall season. The trees that surrounded the small Dúnedain village were starting to turn colors. The gentle breeze brought the crisp smell of the season's change. She opened her eyes and glanced around at the people that were out and about already. Getting on with their daily lives and trades.
The village wasn't large, only about 50 men, women and children were present. It was by the request of Aranarth that the Dúnedain spread out in small villages, in secret from the rest of Middle-Earth. He was trying to preserve his people and protect the line of Kings. Him being the only one left of that bloodline for the present time. His wife, Raina, was finally with child and was the reason for Authiel to be up early and so fully armed.
Aranarth was headed to war in the coming months. He was accompanying the army of Gondor into Agmar to hopefully throw down the evil that dwelt there. Authiel had begged him to let her go with him, but he would have none of it. Instead, he wanted her to first accompany himself, his wife, and a few Rangers to Rivendell. He would stay there until his child was born and then would leave with the Rangers to meet up with the Gondor Army that would head North. Authiel, however, would stay in Rivendell with Raina and his child, to watch over and protect her while he was away. Authiel was not happy with such a charge, but did as asked. She was loyal to him after all. Him and the Dúnedain.
Breaking herself from her thoughts, Authiel made her way towards Aranarth and Raina's home. Just as she reached for the door, it opened and the Dúnedain Chieftain stepped out leading his wife. Aranarth was in his Ranger's attire and his wife was in a pair of breeches and a loose tunic that went over her 5 month pregnant belly. She had a warm cloak about her shoulders.
"Shall I go and make sure that yours and Raina's horses are prepared?" Authiel asked him and he nodded.
Authiel walked away quickly and headed to where their horses were kept. The 5 other Rangers that would be accompanying them were already there saddling up their horses and preparing for their journey. She greeted the 5 men with a smile and moved to her own horse. She quickly saddle the mare up and attached her pack to the saddle. When she finished, she moved to Aranarth's horse as another Ranger saddled up a horse for Raina.
Just as they finished their preparations Aranarth and Raina walked up. The men acknowledged their Chieftain and his wife before mounting their horses. Aranarth helped Raina up in the saddle as Authiel held the reins. Once she was settled, the two moved to their own horses.
Aranarth rode over to Authiel, "Will you stay close to Raina for me?" he asked her.
Authiel smiled at him and nodded. "Of course, My Lord. I will be sure that no harm befalls her." Aranarth smiled and the small company headed into the forests of Lindon.
It would be about a 700 mile journey to their destination through woods, fields, and marshes. They would walk their horses most of the way, and by Aranarth's reckoning it would take two months for them to reach Rivendell if all went well.
Days went by and the company had no problems, and as the days turned into weeks with no sight of Orcs or other dark creatures, the hearts of the Rangers lightened. They joked around with one another, often playing pranks, or just talking. Raina found great amusement in watching her husband and the woman that she saw as a daughter joke with the men. It was surreal to all of them. To be in such a dark time, yet be so carefree at times.
With the luck of the Valar gracing them, they reached Rivendell with no dilemma, though a week behind schedule. Raina's growing stomach had caused her some discomfort and they had to adjust their route and stop more frequently for her. She was now 7 and a half months along.
In Rivendell, the Rangers spent time practicing their skills and learning more lore and songs of the Elves. Aranarth stayed with Raina most of the time, making sure that she was comfortable. Authiel would join Aranarth and Raina on some days, and others she spent speaking and catching up with old friend's of her and her late father. She explored the wilderness around Rivendell becoming familiar with it once again.
Not a month after they had arrived, in the first cold month of the new year, Authiel was summoned to the chambers of Aranarth and Raina. The Lady had gone into labor early, and this worried both Aranarth and Lord Elrond who would help the midwives with the delivery.
Authiel had arrived in front of the door of Raina's room and she found Aranarth pacing. "Aranarth?" she asked cautiously.
Aranarth looked up and gave her a small smile. "Raina is in labor." he stated and there was a cry of pain from inside the room. Aranarth paled looking at the door and turned to Authiel. "I fear for her and our child." he whispered.
Authiel stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Aranarth. "Do not fear, My Lord. Raina is very strong and will not fail you. She will pull through." she whispered. Aranarth let out a small laugh and Authiel stepped back and looked at him confused. "Why do you laugh?" she asked in all seriousness.
"Do not worry, my dear Authiel. I have not lost my mind. I merely just remember saying something along those lines 34 years ago, to your father, as he stood here and had the same fears as I do now." Aranarth told her and she nodded understandingly. Aranarth's face became grave suddenly. "Though, no matter what I said to comfort your father, your mother still passed away bringing you into this world."
They were silent after that and remained so for many hours into the night. Aranarth paced and kept looking to the door, wishing that it would open and Elrond would come out bearing news. Authiel sat on one of the wooden benches in the hallway watching the man that she had never seen falter and panic, succumb to his fear.
After what seemed like an eternity, the door finally opened. Aranarth and Authiel looked up and saw Lord Elrond come out carrying a small bundle wrapped in a white blanket.
"Lord Aranarth," he addressed the Dúnedain Chieftain. "You have a son."
Aranarth stepped forward and took the baby boy from Elrond's arms. He looked down in amazement at the small life in his arms. The child had a tuff of dark brown hair and brown eyes. Aranarth smiled and gently stroked his son's cheek.
"Arahael, you shall be called." he whispered. Aranarth looked up at Elrond. "What of Raina?"
Elrond looked grave. "I am sorry, my friend. She does not have much strength left. I'm afraid she will depart from this world before the dawn breaks."
Aranarth paled and looked down at his son. "May I see her?" he whispered.
"Of course." Elrond stepped aside and let him enter the room.
Authiel sat and had watched the scene as tears started to slide down her cheeks. The woman who had been like a mother to her would be gone soon. Leaving behind a wounded man and a helpless baby. It was too much to bear and she choked on her tears.
Elrond heard her and saw her sitting on the bench with her head in her hands. He walked over and sat down next to her, taking the sobbing woman in his arms.
"Do not cry, Authiel Dúnadan." he whispered to her after a few minutes. "Lady Raina was not grieving when I gave her the news." Authiel looked up at him as the tears slid down her face. "She is very proud that she was able to bring a son into this world that will carry on the line of Númenor. You should not grieve as she will forever be in your heart, and the hearts of Aranarth and Arahael."
Authiel nodded to Lord Elrond, but still the tears would not cease. "It is just so hard, Lord Elrond. She is the only mother figure that I have known, and now she is gone." she choked as another wave of tears hit her and she buried her face in the Elf Lord's robes.
Elrond stroked her hair and held her as she cried. After some time, she had become silent and he looked down to see that she had cried herself to sleep. Elrond, being as careful as he could, moved to pick up the Half-Elf and carried her to her room.
As he laid her down on her bed and covered her up, he spoke quietly in Elvish. "Sleep while you can, Authiel. You shall play a vital part in the lives of the Heirs of Isildur and Chieftains of the Dúnedain." He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and left the room.
At mid-day Authiel was awakened by the sound of someone knocking on her door. She opened her eyes and looked around confused that she was in her room and still in the clothes that she had worn the previous day. Then the sad events of last night came back to her and she remembered crying into Elrond's shoulder.
'He must have brought me here.' she thought to herself as she climbed out of bed.
She went to the door and pulled it opened, revealing a very tired looking Aranarth holding his son, Arahael, in his arms.
"Did I wake you?" he questioned, taking in her rumpled appearance.
Authiel smiled gently at him, "Yes, but it is of no matter. How are you faring?" Aranarth looked solemn, and she knew by that look, Raina had indeed passed away. "I am sorry." she whispered, embracing him and being careful not to crush the newborn.
Aranarth sighed deeply. "Thank you." he whispered. "Raina was not upset about her fate. She counseled me and said she would always be here." he stopped and looked down at his son as he squirmed, and smiled. "She has given me the most precious gift."
Authiel smiled as she looked at the baby. He was beautiful and she could tell that he held both his father's strength and mother's wisdom. "He is indeed precious." she told him as she reached out and gently touched his little hand.
Aranarth looked up at her and became serious. "That is the reason why it will break my heart when I ask you of something." Authiel furrowed her brows and met his eyes. "After we perform the funeral ceremony for Raina," he paused composing himself, "I want you to remain here and care for Arahael." Authiel's eyes widened and she opened her mouth to protest, but he stopped her. "Please, Authiel. I trust you above all others. Arahael is the only one that carries my blood. The blood of the Kings, of Isildur. I know that you will protect and guide him. I will be in battle and if I fall, I will do so knowing that there is still hope for our people. Please, Authiel, say that you will do this." Aranarth pleaded with her.
Authiel looked at him unable to speak and then down at the child he held. "It is such a strange fate that the hope and legacy of our people has fallen on the shoulders of one so small and young." she whispered, then she met Aranarth's eyes and nodded. "I will do as you ask. You have my word that nothing will befall him as long as I am there to protect him. I will lay down my very life for him." she spoke full of confidence and determination.
Aranarth smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you, my friend. You have put my heart and mind at ease." He then held Arahael out to her. "Will you be able to care for him for a few hours while I make the preparations for Raina?"
Authiel smiled and nodded. "Of course, My Lord." She gently took the baby from him and held Arahael close to her chest. The baby snuggling in closer, causing her to laugh lightly.
"Thank you." Aranarth gave her a slight bow, which threw her off guard. "I will take my leave for now. I will send one of the men back to our village to inform them of my plans." He looked down at his son, then placed a kiss on the baby's head before heading down the hall.
Authiel was left alone with Arahael. She looked down at the baby boy who was staring up at her with his large brown eyes. "What shall we do, tithen pen?"(Little One) Authiel walked to her bed and laid the baby gently in the middle. She quickly changed and picked up Arahael before leaving the room and venturing outside.
She found her way to the gardens and sat down on one of the benches talking to Arahael. He was looking around taking in all the sights and sounds of the new world around him. Authiel smiled, "You will be a good Ranger like your father if you keep that up." she told him.
After an hour or so the little Lord became fussy and started crying. Authiel tried everything she knew to soothe the baby, but nothing worked. She was about to give up, but then started rocking him and began to sing gently, making up the words as she went. Arahael quieted instantly at the sound of her soft voice.
"Out of the mist of history
He'll come again
Sailing on ships across the sea
To a wounded Nation
Signs of a saviour
Like fire on the water
It's what we prayed for
One of our own
Just wait
Though wide he may roam
Always
A hero comes home
He goes where no one has gone
But always
A hero comes home
Deep in the heart of darkness sparks
A dream of light
Surrounded by hopelessness
He finds the will to fight
There's no surrender
Always remember
It doesn't end here
We're not alone
Just wait
Though wide he may roam
Always
A hero comes home
He goes where no one has gone
But always
A hero comes home
And he will come back on the crimson tide
Dead or alive
And even though we know the bridge has burned
He will return
He will return
Just wait
Though wide he may roam
Always
A hero comes home
He knows of places unknown
Always
A hero comes home
Someday they'll carve in stone
"The hero comes home"
He goes and comes back alone
But always
A hero comes home
Just wait
Though wide he may roam
Always
A hero comes home"
(Copyright of Aerostation Corporation; Universal Music Corp. Written by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri, Performed by Idina Menzel)
Arahael looked up at her with bright eyes and she smiled at him.
"A strange song to be singing to my son." Aranarth spoke from behind her.
Authiel jumped, not having heard him approach. She turned and looked at her Lord smiling sheepishly. "I'm sorry if you do not approve of it. I will not sing it again if you wish."
Aranarth smiled and looked at the young woman in front of him. "No." he whispered. "Sing it to him always. I think the words of your song will come true one day. That a hero will come home and return the glory of our kingdom and people. Sing it to all of those that follow in my line until the King is returned."
Authiel thought for a moment about this and nodded. "I shall."
Through the years of Third Age 2012-2930
With those two simple words, Authiel went from being the Daughter of Dírhael and Elgarain, Half-Elven Dúnedain Ranger of the North to being the Guardian of all that followed in the blood line of Aranarth and Arahael, the descendents of Isildur. With every generation she watched over the sons in Rivendell until they were 10 years old and were returned to their Dúnedain village to begin their training under their fathers and Rangers. When their training had been completed, the young Lords would usually venture into the wild and roam for years. Returning every so often to the village with news from the world.
Authiel would shadow them every step of the way as they dwelt in the wild. She would be a shadow amongst the trees or hills. Either being so close to the young man at night that the glow of their fires would hit her face, or only a day or so behind, tracking the young Ranger. She was never spotted by them, however, no matter how well their training had been and how much they excelled in their skills, they were no match for her Elvish abilities. But when they needed her she was there. Jumping into scrimmages with Orcs, and surprising both the enemy and the Ranger, or helping tend to their wounds. But always making sure that they lived, no matter the cost to her.
Authiel continued this for 14 generations of young Dúnedain Chieftains, their names as follows: Arahael, Aranuir, Aravir, Aragorn I, Araglas, Arahad I, Aragost, Aravorn, Arahad II, Arassuil, Arathorn I, Argonui, Arador, and Arathorn II. For 918 years she watched as generations of the royal bloodline ruled in times of peace and in darkness. As the power of Lord Sauron increased so did his reach to peaceful lands. She had watched her friends and Chieftains die before her eyes while she fought to protect them. Times where she too had almost lost her life, lying bloody and helpless on a battlefield, but the Valar made her endure her grief when she failed to protect the Chieftain.
Though, with Arathorn II her world had drastically changed.