And I'm back! I'm doing better than I thought I would. Welp, I did promise to brighten things up, so hopefully this chapter is a lot more...I don't know, happy-ish? Somethin... You can decide.
Here you go!
-Nescit Cedere-
Aradorn halted the horse, waking me from the deep sleep I had fallen into. I yawned and blinked, slowly straightening.
"Are we there?" I sleepily asked.
"Aye..." His tone of voice was not one I liked. I peered around him, eyes widening in surprise. Arrows and weapons littered the field before us, blood staining the ground, horses lying dead as well as other creatures I did not recognize and even trolls. Orc corpses also decorated the field but I could see no sign of any men or Elves, which was a great relief. But there was one thing I did recognize.
Numbly, I dismounted from behind Aradorn and slowly made my way through the obstacle of dead bodies and knelt on the ground, reaching out to grasp the familiar blade that glinted in the moonlight.
Narsil.
"Ada would never leave this..." I couldn't stop myself from fearing the worst. A familiar bow rested nearby. "Arathorn...What happened here?" I wondered as Aradorn suddenly appeared beside me.
"I do not know, but it is not safe here. Gondor is but a few leagues away. We should arrive soon." I could hear the worry lacing his tone and we were immediately back on Aradorn's steed, full out galloping towards Gondor, Arathorn's bow slung over my shoulder and Ada's blade in my sheath. In less than an hour, we reached the Gates of Gondor, which were closed.
"Who goes there?" A voice demanded to know.
"Princess Aranyth of Gondor!" I called in return. There was a moment of shocked silence as a couple of heads appeared over the wall.
"The Princess..." One murmured when they looked at me. "The Princess! Open the gate!" he shouted and the Gates were opened by a few men, who watched in disbelief as I rode through behind Aradorn, who had pulled his hood above his head.
"You must hurry, your highness!" The men bowed. I tilted my head.
"My Father?" I inquired at once. The Head Gatekeeper shook his head.
"They are in the Citadel. They say he will not last the night, if he has not passed already." he grimly informed me and Aradorn immediately spurred his horse forward. I tightened my grip on Narsil as we rode up every level of the city until we reached the Citadel, where the gates were instantly opened. Aradorn pulled the reins back and his horse skidded to a stop. I jumped off and darted away towards the Healing Rooms. I reached the windows and looked through, gasping at what I saw. Ada was lying still on one of the beds, Nana lying on the couch, dry tear stains on her fair face, hair in disarray, and clothing ruffled. I could see no sign of Estel or Arathorn, which relieved me, but I did see something else.
The still form of a dear friend. Elrudyn. I was about to crawl through the window into the room when the door opened. I quickly ducked beneath the sill, placing myself flat against the wall, noticing Aradorn beside me. He looked amused by what I was doing but also very concerned, though only his eyes showed it.
"We have done all that we could." the voice of Erathina flowed through the room. "There is nothing else that can be done but wait."
"Thank-you, Erathina." Faramir thanked the Healer and she left.
"First, Aranyth fell, then Elrudyn, and now Aragorn." Elrohir's pained voice sounded and I stiffened. Elrudyn fell?
"The family will fall apart if Aragorn fades." Glorfindel murmured.
"His wounds are severe..." Erestor whispered. "Tis beyond anyone's ability to heal."
"If only Elrond were here." I was surprised to hear the Elvenking speak.
"Ada would have been able to help." Elrohir sighed. "He...He could have...saved Elrudyn...And Aragorn. If only I were, if I were as skilled as he...But I do not have the ability to call upon those in the Halls of waiting...Elrudyn has long since faded." Elrohir's voice cracked. I felt as though I had been struck by a troll. "I may lose Elladan." I slumped back against the wall. Elrudyn was gone? Ada was dying... And now Uncle Elladan was fading? Aradorn gripped my shoulder, closing his eyes as he listened.
"Aragorn...You must not give in." Glorfindel told the unconscious man. There was silence until the door opened and the Elves including Faramir left the room.
"I shall check on the Children. Glorfindel, place Arwen into the bed next to Aragorn's." Thranduil said before gliding towards the Western wing. Elrohir remained behind for a moment, which kept me from entering into the room.
"Aragorn, I do not know whether or not you can hear me, but if you can, please come back to us. I cannot bear anymore pain...I will not last if both you and Elladan should fade...Arwen would then go...who would look after your children then? Faramir and the others would be willing, but your children need you." He emphasised the word 'you' before exhaling shakily. "What grace is given me...let it pass to him...let him be saved." He prayed, clutching Ada's hand in his own trembling ones. "Ada...please help me." Uncle then turned and sped from the room, his eyes glistening with tears. Once I was certain everyone had left, I leaped into the room, flying over to my Father's bedside, freezing only when Nana shifted, her sleep disturbed by the soft sounds of my footsteps. I continued. My ada looked worse up close. His complexion was deathly pale, bandages wrapped around him, some bloody and others not.
"Ada...what...how is this possible?" I whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed. From what I could see, Ada had a slim chance of survival. I was quite shaken from everything that had happened within the past few weeks. I was not ready to lose Ada...I would never be ready. I had not been prepared to hear about Elrudyn. Ada's breathing was uneven and very shallow, as if he were struggling to even breathe. It seemed to bring him pain. It hurt me even more to think about what would happen should Ada go. I stood up and was startled when Aradorn rushed past me to see Ada himself. His expression became troubled and pained.
"is there any Athelas?" He abruptly asked, urgency in his tone as Ada began to suddenly shift and utter small cries of pain. Fear coursed through me when he began to tremble violently. "Aranyth, where is there Athleas?" Aradorn sternly asked and I dug into a the pack next to Ada's bed. I said nothing as I passed it onto him, focused only on Ada. I didn't know I was shaking myself when I realized what was happening. I looked up to Aradorn, hoping I was incorrect but one look at him proved otherwise.
Ada was dying right before my eyes.
His breathing hitched and he suddenly went still.
Neither one of us moved.
"Ada...?" I timidly called out, hoping against hope that I would receive an answer.
Nothing.
"Ada...no...you cannot do this to me!" I gasped, fighting against the sobs that threatened to escape. "Ada, do not...do not go! Please..!" I shook his arm but it only fell limply onto the sheets. "NO!" Aradron quickly moved me aside, leaning over and placing his hand against Ada's forehead. I staggered away as Aradorn worked to get Ada to breathe. I slumped against Elrudyn's bed, watching as Nana awoke and stared, horrified by what she saw. Aradorn was speaking in rapid Elvish, phrases of healing slipping past his lips as he spoke, closing his eyes and calling to Ada. "Wake up, Ada...Wake up!" I pleaded under my breath, eyes glued to the scene before me. Aradorn looked ready to give up and Nana was close to bursting into tears. "Ada! Wake up!" I went forward and gently shook him. Nothing. Nana was staring wide-eyed now, not believing that I was here. "You can't...You can't leave us..." I whispered brokenly, falling forward, my head against Ada's shoulder as I wept. Aradorn plopped into a nearby chair, his eyes holding a far away look before he hid his face in his hands.
No one dared to speak, nor did I raise my head from where it rested. "I did not come all the way here to watch you die..." A hand gently brushed against my hair but I didn't look to see who was offering me comfort.
"I...Iell...nin?" A disbelieving voice uttered, and I froze. Slowly, I raised my head to see two grey-blue orbs, glazed over, looking to me.
"Ada?" I blinked before smiling widely. "Ada!" I carefully hugged him tightly, sobbing with relief. "You...You are alright! I thought...I feared the worst!"
"Iell-nin?" Ada raised his hand weakly, cupping my cheek. I clutched it, tears falling freely.
"I am here, Ada...I am home." Ada shook his head.
"No...Estel...Arathorn...The children saw you fall..." He whispered, his hand slipping away as he turned to face Nana. Nana was still gazing at me.
"Aranyth?" She slowly stood, still holding Ada's hand.
"Nana." I gave a weak smile. Arwen's hands flew to her mouth. Ada looked confused.
"You can see her as well...Meleth?" he asked. Arwen hugged him.
"Yes." She nodded against his shoulder, minding his wounds. "She is here!" Arwen then turned and pulled me tightly against her. I fell against Nana, wrapping my arms tightly around her.
"Nana..." The door flew open as several people ran in.
"Nana, what is-RYN!?" I turned and was barreled over by a blur, who turned out to be Arathorn. "Ryn! Ryn! You are back! You are back!" He cried happily, refusing to let go. Estel stood in shock before the doorway, Elrohir, Glorfindel, Erestor, and Thranduil behind him. Aarya suddenly pushed herself through closely followed by Faramina and Thranduin.
"Ryn!" Aarya rushed over, shaking me. "What were you thinking? Scaring us to death! We thought you were dead and yet here you are...You...You...Ugh!" She gave up trying to think of the word as everyone came to hug me.
"Too many hugs!" I complained, struggling against Faramina, who did not let go.
"It is your fault!" She said, voice wavering. "I thought you had died! I saw you fall!" I stopped struggling. It must have been... Guilt gnawed at my heart as I looked at everyone.
"I...I am so sorry." I returned the embrace before looking over to Ada, whose eyes had brightened much and he seemed more alive.
"Aranyth...Iell-nin..." He raised an arm and I went over to him, resting my head against his shoulder once again.
"Ada...I am home."
It was a while after ensuring Ada would be alright that we decided to break up the reunion and go to bed. Glorfindel had given me a fierce hug. Legolas had come running in with Faramir after a couple of maids had explained what was going on and there were more hugs given. Erestor merely smiled- actually smiled!- and patted my shoulder, which meant a lot if you knew Erestor. Thranduil only nodded and ruffled my hair but I knew that was his way of showing relief. I knew I would not be seeing Uncle Elladan but I was not bothered. He had lost his son...
"Elrudyn." I murmured as I walked towards my room with Faramina and Aarya next to me. The two hung their heads, still in mourning.
"I will never get over it.' Faramina murmured. "He was...Why..." she couldn't finish. Aarya I knew was suffering the most. Elrudyn had been her closest friend, almost a brother, and she had lost him. It was as if she had lost her other half. They were very close. No one ever saw one without the other. It was the same with Uncle Dan and Ro. If either had lost the other, they would have felt the pain of losing a part of themselves. Ada had actually said there was one time Elladan had been lost and Elrohir had been struck harshly. He was not able to walk for days and even when he could, he was weak. Many thought Elladan had died because Elrohir had been suffering so much. But it turned out Elladan had been captured and beaten by Orcs and in order to save Uncle Ro from feeling his pain, he had severed their twin bond. Once we reached my room, we silently entered. The atmosphere was gloomy as we crawled onto the large bed, sitting there merely enjoying one another's companionship while thinking over Elrudyn.
I smiled as I recalled some memories before it faded. Things would never be the same without Elrudyn.
-Nescit Cedere-
I looked around to find myself standing in the middle of a beautiful fountain filled with pure water. I looked around to see that I was in a lovely garden blooming with flowers of different kinds and small trees that had recently been planted. I stepped out of the fountain and followed the path that led to the Elvish structure that stood before me. The atmosphere was light and comforting. Night had already fallen and the moon shone brightly over the sea. I blinked in surprise. I could see the ocean! I took a moment to look out into the ocean before continuing on into the Elvish building, wondering where I was. When I entered the building, I found it to be empty. I peered into another room, finding it filled with books on several different shelves and passed through. I entered a corridor and was about to pass yet another door when voices sounded from within.
"I should not have left." a familiar voice spoke.
"Ion-nin..."
"I left them on their own."
"Meleth," a melodious voice sounded. "They are strong."
"This is an Ancient Magic, Celebrian. Something is awakening within Arda. I thought that with Sauron's death, Arda would have returned back to the way it had been. But I was wrong. How could I leave them..." Elrond sighed.
"Come, Celebrian." Celeborn opened the door and I quickly hid behind the curtains nearby, watching as he led a very beautiful Elleth with flowing blonde hair and bright blue eyes, wearing a white dress, away from the room. Celebrian glanced worriedly over her shoulder before following her Adar. I slowly walked forward, leaning over to see the interior of what appeared to be some sort of study. An Elf sat on the sill of the open window, an elbow resting on one bent knee, chin resting in his hand as he gazed out into the sky. I immediately recognized him from the resemblance he and Ada had.
"Daeradar?" The Elf suddenly snapped his head in my direction, eyes widening slightly in surprise. I stood still, looking around to see if he was looking at something else only to find he was staring at me.
"Who are you?" he inquired, narrowing his eyes.
"You can see me?" I stepped back a little. This was only a dream... He stood abruptly and crossed the room, coming to stand before me. I didn't move.
"You are half-elven." He stated more than questioned.
"I suppose you can see me." I said mostly to myself. "My name is Aranyth, daughter of Aragorn and Arwen of Gondor." I told him and the Elf was taken aback.
"Aragorn and Arwen? Then how are you here?" he questioned, quickly recollecting himself.
"How should I know? Last I remember I was...Speaking to Faramina and Aarya about Elrudyn..." Elrond's expression became pained. "Then I fell asleep. Now I am here...In Valinor." That was pretty shocking. Elrond was deep in thought for a moment, also as bewildered as I felt.
"This is indeed interesting...How is Elladan?" he inquired, turning away to face the window once more, beckoning for me to join him. I went to stand beside him before answering.
"From what I have heard, he is not fairing well."
"He will not fade." Elrond told mostly himself. "He still has family he cannot bear to leave. I had also foreseen your fall."
"I did fall-"
"In Mordor." the Elf turned to give me a sharp look. I gave a small, guilty, smile.
-Nescit Cedere-
The next day, I awoke before dawn and carefully slipped out of bed, not wanting to wake Faramina or Aarya who had fallen asleep curled together in the middle of the bed. I had fallen asleep on the pillows above them. I stealthily walked to the door and exited, heading straight for the Healing Rooms. When I entered the room Ada was in, I found that he was already awake and staring at the ceiling. His eyes were drawn to the door when I opened it.
"Aranyth." He gave a weak smile, one I returned as I walked over to him.
"Ada...Are you feeling well?" I asked in concern when Ada began to cough harshly.
"Aye...It is nothing to worry over, Iell-nin." he assured me.
"If you say so." I looked over to Elrudyn, sadness filling me when I gazed at his still body.
"We have yet to bury him." Ada murmured, sorrow lacing his tone. "So young...We will be travelling to Rivendell to bury him." I bowed my head.
"How did he...Go?"
"Orcs." was Ada's only response. He suddenly became serious and locked gazes with me. "What happened in Mordor?" I flinched at the name.
"I am so sorry, Ada...I know we-"
"Iell-nin, I will speak to everyone about that later. What happened in Mordor?" So I told him everything. From reuniting with everyone in the tunnel, to escaping the Goblins and Spiders, to entering the Tower. Then came the part about the Throne Room.
"It was quiet at first when we were exploring the room." I explained. "We were not expecting anything to happen when eight creatures abruptly appeared out of the darkness and chased us from the room. We ran and were separated, Faramina and I were together while Estel, Arathorn, and Thranduin were below. Faramina and I entered another room and thought we were safe when two of the creatures came into the room."
"You fought them." Ada stated and I nodded.
"I could not let them harm Faramina. I fought as hard as I could, but they were too strong. The only way I could give Faramina a chance to escape was to take them down with me...So I did."
"How far did you fall?"
"A long way."
"You are not injured?"
"No. I was rescued."
"Rescued?" Ada perked up. "By whom?" That was when I noticed Aradorn had suddenly disappeared after Ada had awoken last night. I had not seen him ever since then.
"Ada...Before I tell you, I have a question." It was the favor Aradorn had asked of me.
"What is it?"
"Was I named after someone?" Ada looked up, surprised.
"Yes...How-"
"The person who rescued me wanted for me to ask you whether or not I was named after someone. He said I reminded him of someone he once knew before she fell." Realization dawned over Ada as he slowly asked his next question.
"What name did he give you?"
"He claimed to be Aradorn."
"Aradorn...?!" Ada repeated, leaning back against the pillows. "You have met Aradorn?" I narrowed my eyes. So my Ada also knew who this Aradorn was? I would have to ask him about that later.
"Aye...Now, Ada, who was I named after?" I finally inquired. Ada was silent for a moment, hesitating to answer. I noticed he was struggling to bring himself to answer and wondered if I should really have asked him the question.
"She went by the name of Dyn." Ada finally said before looking up.
"Who was she?" I dared to ask.
I waited patiently as Ada looked away once more, clutching something in his hand before opening it to reveal a beautiful brooch made of silver gems, and other colorful ones such as rubies, emeralds, and even mithril!
"Dyn was my sister."
I know this chapter is a bit short, but the next one is coming up soon! So hang in there, my friends!
So now you know who Dyn finally is! There will be more about Dyn later on for any of you who are curious about her. The adventure is about to begin! Just a couple more chapters!