A/N: This chapter gives form as well as reason to the existence of the dragon's known as the "Old Ones" and what their function on Arda was. Hopefully, the chapter will also explain other things as well and will put to bed, once and for all, the notion that Anayah's existence is superfluous to what I write. The Black Rider Chronicles were always meant to be the story of what else was going on while Aragorn was growing up – a behind the scenes look at the beautiful and complex culture of the elves.
While many philosophical arguments could be made about timeline corruption, the will of a Supreme Being and even the negative connotations of influencing fate, I urge all of you to read this chapter in the vein in which it was intended, primarily as entertainment but also as possible and probable "what if" scenarios.
Do you ever wonder
how the things so familiar to us
got their start?
Chapter 37
The Golden Horn
Anayah was in a mood that continually wavered between wanting to behead a certain Avari Prince with her bare hands to wanting to burst into tears and spend a day or so doing nothing but cry. Though she maintained tight control of her actions and emotions, or so she thought, when she arrived at the dragon's lair, Asgorath, Ederyn and Sauros all knew that something had happened. They had inquired as to what it was and while Anayah gently tended their healing injuries, she told them everything – except for her dream. Speaking of her anger didn't help until Sauros growled deep in his throat and offered to fry the Prince in her name. They all knew she was calming when she gave them a small smile. Knowing that the young she-elf had the need for dragon counsel, Sauros excused himself then ambled off to spend time with his own mate, the beautiful Aurora.
Ederyn looked at the young she-elf seriously.
"What is it that is really bothering you, child?"
Anayah sat on a rock next to Ederyn's nest and spent a few moments in silence, gathering her thoughts.
"I'm just having a bad day – that's all. My squirrel friend, Chubby, died while I was away at Carn-Dûm and my heart grieves that I was not here to ease his passing … he was my companion and strength through many dark times yet I was not here for his. " She shrugged her shoulders.
Asgorath lowered his great head until one of his eyes was but an arm's length away from her. He was completely silent as he regarded her gravely and Anayah would later swear that she didn't think he took a breath the entire time he was studying her. Finally, he withdrew his head and turned toward his mate who gave a gentle dragon smile as she nodded her consent, then with the blessing given, he turned back to Anayah.
"You have been given a task that requires dedication, discipline and honor, my young friend, and you have met and exceeded the requirements of all three with distinction. In return for your hard work and sacrifice, I am now going to take you into my confidence and share some of my thoughts and feelings that to this moment I have only shared with my mate."
He settled himself more comfortably in his nest.
"From the very beginning the race of Eldar was meant to have the perfect existence, for such was the love of the Valar for the Firstborn. Their minds and hearts were nurtured then guided in whichever direction they wished to go and whether it was lore, crafting, music, or any other skill they wished to learn – it was always there for the Firstborn to sample and develop as they wished – and those first elves did just that – all too well.
But something my Lord has always insisted on was that all sentient beings on Arda have the freedom of choice – to make choices and live with the consequences of those choices without any type of interference or coercion from anyone. The elves – all sentient creatures – had the right of free choice all along but the problems didn't start until they realized they had the freedom to make choices for themselves and you know how things went after that! Now all any of us can do, is our best, to fix the problems as we encounter them and take care not to create any more. Sometimes we are successful at this and sometimes we are not but no matter the pain we suffer emotionally when we encounter something we cannot do anything about, we still see the balance and know that the successes we encounter could never live without the failures – there must always be balance."
Anayah nodded her head in agreement.
"Things have got a bit rank around here, first with Melkor then Sauron and now with a certain Avari Prince!" She took a deep breath to calm herself. "I know you are going to point out the balance even in this and I would have to agree, my Lord, but what I would like to know, what I need to know, is why does the short end of the balance scales always end up in my pocket?" Her eyes teared up with the remembrance. "Where's the balance in Chubby dying?"
"His daughter, Little Lady – as well as the invaluable lesson that all things change ... and move on."
"Tinu?"
"You really are reaching with this one, Anayah." The dragon chuckled. "But on the other hand, if you didn't push things to the very edge you wouldn't be the charming young she-elf that we all do our very best to tolerate." Asgorath's eyes crinkled as he laughed. "Yes, child, there is even balance and reason for the tiny one's presence."
"I know he's cute and funny, my Lord, but what exactly is the reason for his presence among us?"
"You truly do not see, do you?"
Anayah shook her head and Asgorath sighed, stirring up the dust at his feet.
"Tinu is among us to soften the hard edges of our lives before they begin to drain our spirits. He is a part of the balance for sadness and he is here to show all of us that those of small stature are just as worthy of respect and dignity as are much larger beings."
Anayah nodded.
"I understand. But what about my father's judgment regarding the Avari Prince?"
"Power."
"Power?"
"Yes, child – power – even in this. Your father has the responsibility to put the use of his power as Lord of Imladris even over how he would have wished to use it as a father. His tactful use of his power was a counter for the middle Prince's disruptive intentions. You do understand this, do you not?"
"Yes, my Lord, although it still hurts that he would do nothing else ... not even procure an apology for me." She glanced at the dragon. "But yes, my Lord, I do understand."
"Your father is responsible for every elf in Imladris and being part of Lord Elrond's family, you and your brothers' needs will always be subordinate to the elves of this realm, just as your father's needs are subordinate to those he serves. No, Prince Ereb is not an Imladris elf, but there were Imladris elves watching and paying close attention to how your father handled this situation and they saw your father pass judgment in a way that was as fair as possible without adding to the tensions of the present. You heard the elves swear fealty to your father without a request for such coming from him and when loyalty like that is shown unbidden ... it speaks much of he who has inspired such in those he serves.
And you forget, young one, that your father is also a champion of my mate and I, just as you are and as such must hold his own conduct above the standards to which he wished he could have lowered himself to."
"Asgorath!" Ederyn said while shaking her head in disapproval.
Asgorath's head came off his front feet as he turned to look at his mate, his eyes twinkling.
"Well, it's the truth, my faithful mate. You and I were both listening in on that council meeting and we both heard what was said and because we were out here and technically not in that room we are not bound by the edict to not carry anything said beyond those walls. Therefore ... I can ... hint ... at what was said."
Anayah was frowning and looking from one dragon to the other. Finally Asgorath turned back toward her.
"Though I cannot quote word for word what was said, Anayah, your father made it quite clear that it was his wish that Prince Ereb not lay hands upon you again for the duration of his stay in Imladris because if he did, there would be consequences ..." Asgorath's great eyes flicked toward his mate, "... consequences of the fatherly sort."
Anayah's eyes widened at this disclosure.
"No! My father said this?"
"He did indeed, Anayah." Lady Ederyn nodded her head gracefully.
Anayah opened her mouth to speak ... twice ... before she actually got her mouth to form words that could be understood.
"Well." She began. "Well."
Both Asgorath and Ederyn chuckled softly for it was indeed a rare occasion when Anayah couldn't find something to say.
"And?" Asgorath finally prompted.
She looked at the dragon a moment before she answered.
"Again you put a great responsibility into my keeping, my Lord. When you took me into your confidence and told me that there was an order given to keep what was said in that room ... in that room, you bound me to silence just as tightly as my father's edict would have although I thank you for this kindness."
A small wrinkle appeared between the dragon's brow ridges which was the only indication of his small frown.
"You thank me?"
Anayah nodded.
"Yes, my Lord. I thank you, for your disclosure has done much to ease my heart with regards to Prince Ereb as well as to teach me that as Lord or father, my father's heart will never be far from his family. How great must be the burden he carries as Lord of this realm."
Anayah once more fell silent and in that silence, Ederyn sensed a deeper, underlying problem.
"I sense that there is another issue bothering you, Anayah, something that perhaps requires dragon wisdom to ease your heart. Tell me what it is that troubles you and together we can attempt to find the answer you seek."
Though Anayah acknowledged Ederyn's offer with a nod of her head, it still took her a few moments to gather her thoughts.
"I still don't think I quite understand just why I always seem to attract problems to me. I don't expect my life to be totally uncomplicated, but why can't something happen to me that doesn't twist my stomach into knots?" She hung her head dejectedly.
"I fully understand how having such darkness always haunting your existence might be somewhat trying and disconcerting to you, Anayah. Perhaps if my mate and I can explain things to you as we understand them to be, you might feel better able to deal with an issue that will probably be your constant companion for the rest of your immortal life." Asgorath sighed and thought a bit before he continued.
"There's a common thread that runs through many of the problems you face, including the present dilemmas with being champion to my mate and myself and the fuss with the Avari Prince."
"Gender?"
"That's part of it." Asgorath replied as he nodded his head.
"Size?"
"Also a part of the problems you face now and will face in the future."
"Anayah, I will share this thought with you as one female to another." Ederyn turned her head gracefully in Anayah's direction. "You are a female who has chosen a lifetime of service as a warrior, an occupation I really don't believe you could live without. However, to this point, the responsibility for war and its consequences has belonged to the male of the different races and whatever we may think of that notion, it is still the way of things – men fight and women stay at home, bear children and take care of their mates.
But now, things are changing and there is an occasional invasion by females into male territory and the males resent it. Asgorath and I have discussed this problem many times and are of the opinion that this is not a problem that will ever entirely go away. We both believe that life ages will pass and the female warriors will still find males trying to make things difficult for them. Why is this so? Because the male recognizes a disruption of the balance of what he believes should be and resents it, hence the male making things difficult for any female who straps on a sword – I'm sure you see the cycle."
"What to do about it ..." Asgorath sighed, his dragon breath again stirring the dust at his feet. "Remember this, Anayah, that every idea and concept has a price, a price that has been paid for in sweat and blood and you and your chosen field are no different. I fully believe, and my Ederyn agrees with me, that you have started a thread that will have far-reaching effects on service in this field by female warriors. Though you may never see it before you make your final journey into the West, your efforts will be worth the price asked for and paid, for there will come a time when female warriors will find themselves accepted and the male will neither fear an intrusion into the profession nor having to fight at your side."
Anayah nodded her head.
"I know I will never give up what I do and I will always work to make myself better – but that's not really the problem. It's just ... gender bias really, really annoys me."
Asgorath laughed.
"Then it is you who must defend your arena. I have confidence in you, child, that you are tough enough and mean enough to do so quite competently!"
It was Anayah's turn to laugh as she lightly slapped the mighty dragon's unwounded shoulder.
Ederyn smiled.
"Anayah, you are a large part of what is good about these trying times we live in."
"I agree wholeheartedly with my mate." Asgorath nodded. "Ederyn and I have been keeping track of the lights – the inner fire – of many beings over the millennia. We have watched Gil-galad, Elendil, Arathorn, Galadriel, Elrond and even young Estel and can truly say that these beings were and are truly everything that has ever been good and right about the Firstborn and Secondborn races.
But my young friend, there has been one light, as of late, that has caught our attention and held our hearts. The light of which I speak, while just as bright as all the others, has a uniquely interesting quality about it. It flits here ... flits over there ... and flits way over there!" Asgorath gestured with his nose toward an imaginary far distance.
The two dragons chuckled and Anayah blushed and hung her head modestly.
"This light is so full of energy, love, compassion ... so full of honor ..." "So full of ..."
"ANAYAH!" Admonished both dragons.
Anayah giggled and hung her head.
"As I was saying before you so colorfully interrupted ... This particular light has all these qualities and a dash of both humor and fire as well. You are a wonderful counter against the shadows because you have not yet lost your ability to see beyond the madness ... and we hope you never do."
Ederyn touched Anayah gently with her muzzle.
"There are few who still possess the ability to think beyond the borders of their own existence and see the truly grand scale of what Ilúvatar has created. If others could see the magic all around them, if they could even, upon occasion, just look to the heavens and marvel at the complexity of our Lord's work then they might realize just how petty their contrivances on Arda are ... Prince Ereb included."
"But we are who we are and can only think of what we know."
Asgorath nodded.
"Exactly, Anayah, and isn't that truly sad?"
He shifted his weight, trying to get more comfortable, and noticing his discomfort, Anayah, rose and after getting a tin of numbing/healing cream from her healer's kit, began to apply it to his shoulder while they talked.
"I truly wish that Ederyn and I had met you before now, for you would have made a wonderful student. We will both soon be leaving your life, but before we do, we would like to give you a gift. Like gardeners, we would like to plant a seed – of knowledge – then we will charge you with passing it on to others at a time and in a fashion that pleases you."
"You have already given me a lifetime of things to think about, my Lord. A gift? I already consider myself blessed with what you have shared with me."
"Stand before me, Anayah."
Anayah felt her heart flutter as she did as the dragon Lord had requested. She knew what Asgorath wanted her to do and while the curious part of her mind wanted ever so much to embrace the experience, her spiritual heart, the same spiritual heart that beat in the breast of every elf, shrank away ... recoiled from the most holy of holies, something that should not be sullied by the touch of another.
Asgorath sensed her uncertainly.
"There is nothing to fear, child, for even in this there is the freedom of choice – you can accept my gift or not. Just know that whatever choice you decide to make will not displease me."
"My apologies for appearing so timid, my Lord. Please continue."
"As you wish." He cleared his throat. "The Old Ones, each with their own unique gift, was given the choice, a choice blessed by Eru Ilúvatar, to pass their gift on to another, if in their lifetime they were ever lucky enough to find the ... the perfect gardener ... for their particular offering."
The dragon's great head turned slightly so he could look at Anayah.
"You are the perfect gardener for my gift, Anayah, and if you choose to accept this gift, nurture it carefully and eventually share this gift with others, then this world and all life, on into the days yet to come, will be changed forever."
"No pressures there."
Anayah looked at Asgorath seriously.
"Sorry, my Lord – just a bit of nervous humor. I do have a question though."
"And that would be?"
"How will I know when to use this gift and who to share it with?"
Asgorath chuckled.
"The gift is like your favorite boots, Anayah, your heart will know when to put them on as well as when to take them off."
Having made up her mind, Anayah sighed mightily then began to reach her hand toward the golden horn, hesitating now and then as her nerves occasionally chilled her determination.
"My Lord, I'm frightened."
"Of what, Anayah?"
"Of the unknown, my Lord ... of the responsibility and my ability to live up to your expectations."
"I have faith in your abilities, Anayah, or I would never have considered you for this position. Now close your eyes and touch my horn, child."
The dragon's tone was like a soft caress from a dear friend and her eyes, in response to that verbal caress, slipped shut.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
The sons of Elrond as well as the Mirkwood Prince were in high spirits. It was a welcomed respite for their somewhat raw nerves to be able to participate in an activity they all enjoyed and one which was rich in the memories of good times and good company. But even though there were many stories and much laughter, it was all colored by an underlying apprehension over what was currently happening as well as worry for the future.
Elladan's attention was brought back to the matter at hand when Aranel, his favorite mare and companion, began sidestepping and lifting her feet while switching her tail and bobbing her head up and down. The eldest twin called her to task, but only half-heartedly, for he was sure the white mare was just happy to be out in the sunlight with friends while doing something that made them all happy.
Aragorn smiled impishly.
"So, brother, when are you going to put that fine mare of yours into the stud pasture?"
Elladan's head snapped around and he looked at his youngest brother with narrowed eyes.
"And I suppose you had a particular stallion in mind to be the mate of my Aranel? It wouldn't be ... oh I don't know ... Elias perhaps?"
Aragorn put his hand on his heart and did his best to look aggrieved.
"Are you accusing me of matchmaking? Really, Elladan, I would do no such thing to such a fine mare as you are riding." He looked at his oldest brother out of the corner of his eye. "Although you have to admit that the few matings Ada and Anayah have allowed have produced some fine horses."
"Give it a rest, Estel." Elrohir said. "I think he knows that Lady Aranel is too delicate to suffer the rigors of bearing a young one, especially the foal of a great Mearas Prince such as Elias."
Aranel reached to her left and gently grabbed Elrohir's leg. She applied no pressure for it was a game she had played with the twins many times before, the end result always being the same. The three elves and the young adan took one look at the laid-back ears and the eyes that were mere slits as she shook the youngest twin's leg, and burst out laughing. Elladan cared deeply for Aranel, for the two had been partnered on many adventures, and in truth he had been considering approaching his father and Anayah on the matter come springtime or whenever the mare's next mating cycle began. Aranel had the bloodlines, had nearly perfect confirmation, was in excellent condition ...
His thoughts were interrupted when there was a crashing in the underbrush to their right and all four horses stepped sideways then looked right, ears up, breath coming in nervous pants, their legs quivering as they looked into the shadows of the nearby undergrowth, hyper-aware of something the two-leggeds couldn't see. All four riders looked at each other then without speaking, unslung the bows from their backs, drawing a single arrow from the quiver as they did so. While they were hoping the sound was coming from their next day's dinner, considering the freakish attacks by the animals that had been invading Imladris at the Witch King's bidding, they had to entertain the thought that it might be some creature about to make them its next day's meal.
When no further sounds were heard coming from the nearby underbrush, the four gently nudged their horses forward, eyes and ears on the alert for any further abnormal activity.
"I'm hoping that we can get our game and go home, for this whole area reeks of wrongness and while I am not usually fearful while out hunting ..."
"Much, anyway." Aragorn said, half under his breath.
Elrohir reached out and punched his brother in the arm and while Aragorn rubbed his arm and pretended to be mortally wounded, Legolas just smiled and shook his head.
"If the three of you would put a little of that energy into the finding of game, perhaps we could all go home, bathe, have a glass of wine, a bite of dinner then ..." Legolas began.
"As if we don't know the real reason you want to go home."
"Estel, that is enough. I think you are entering an area that is not yet any of your business." Elladan was gentle in the way he spoke to his youngest brother but firm in his intention.
"My apologies, Legolas. It is not my intention to intrude upon your private life."
Legolas nodded his head gracefully yet said nothing further on the matter. Aragorn had his horse gracefully sidestep until he was sitting next to his long-time friend. The two locked eyes, and as only true friends could, reaffirmed their friendship with both apologies and forgiveness given freely – all without a word being spoken.
The emotion of the moment was broken when rustling in the nearby bushes once more alarmed the horses who planted their feet, breathing heavily in alarm while their riders again scanned the bushes for any sign of what could be alarming their horses, bows held lightly in their hands, arrows nocked and ready to be released. Again, their attention proved fruitless as the forest once more fell silent.
"Elladan?" Elrohir put a hand on his twin's shoulder. "Do you sense anything?"
After a short pause, the eldest twin shook his head.
"We are being watched, as you can probably feel as well, but other than that, I cannot sense by whom or what their intentions may be – good, evil or otherwise. It is my suggestion that we remain vigilant but continue with our hunt – as long as we are this far from home and have no firm evidence of evil intentions toward us then I think it would only be right that we do what we came here to do."
"You will get no argument from me." Aragorn said quietly.
The four friends continued onward, never forsaking their vigilance and remaining alert to everything that went on around them.
"I overheard a conversation while I was on my way to the stable this morning that is of concern to me only because it is of concern to the elves of Imladris."
Seeing that he had the attention of the others, Elladan continued.
"It seems that there is a growing fear that the animals, birds and other creatures that have attacked Imladris as of late will inadvertently give away the location of our realm. Though everyone knows the creatures are but innocent pawns in the Witch King's plans, our elves still think that the content of their memories will give us away."
Legolas nodded.
"It is truly tragic that your elves feel this way about their woodland friends."
Elrohir frowned for a few moments before he spoke.
"Maybe it's just the faith of another innocent or the faith of a son, but I always just accepted the fact that through our father, Vilya would protect us in that respect and so have never reasoned the exact method that such a thing would be done." He shifted in the saddle, idly patting his horse to reassure it as well as himself. "The silent creatures of our realm and the land around our realm all have form and function given to them at birth and live their lives according to that edict. Birds fly, fish swim …"
"Wily boars avoid noisy hunters."
"Estel! I'm trying to make a point here." Elrohir continued.
Legolas reached over with a foot and 'tagged' Estel then frowned at which time the young adan settled and waited for the youngest twin to continue.
"As I was saying …" he frowned at the two who returned his frown with benign and feigned expressions of innocence, "as our dear sister once put it … and I paraphrase here … 'something may have been touched by evil and may have been encouraged by evil but that doesn't mean that they are evil'. And if they are not evil then I don't believed that they can be compelled to give away the location of our realm. Their intelligence is quite elegant in its simplicity but simple nevertheless and I think the Witch King may be slipping if he thinks that one of the creatures he has sent to attack us is going to sit down and draw a map to our front door then deliver it to him."
"I agree with you, brother." Aragorn nodded his head. "We know that some deer pass through our realm in herds as do birds in flocks but what I have never seen is herds or flocks of any kind just outside of our border. Have any of you ever noticed that?"
The others shook their heads and Aragorn sighed in frustration that he could not make his point understood.
"I truly believe in the magic of the elves and even though I am many generations removed from my elvish ancestry, I still believe in the Valar. While anyone on the 'outside' would think I was daft for saying that I believe in magic, I can't help but think that's what this is and so is not something that we were ever meant to question – including in this case. Maybe those animals, birds or whatever, step across the border of our realm while in herds but instead of stepping into a particular patch of sunlight on the other side, they find themselves in a forest many miles away. They don't question why this is so just as I don't question how this can happen. What I do believe is this: if Vilya protects our realm from evil invasion then that protection must extend to the protection of the knowledge that could be extracted and used by evil to locate our home. Even if the Witch King was watching them closely, he would probably not remember exactly where he saw the animals disappear. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
"What I do understand, little brother, is that sometimes you give me a headache." Elrohir kneaded his temples as if his head hurt.
"Be quiet." Elladan didn't turn to his brothers, only spoke to them quietly while gazing intently into the shadows at the edge of the clearing.
Elrohir turned to his brother to inquire if their conversation had offended him in some way but stopped when he saw the alert expression on his face. Elladan held up his hand.
"Listen." He said softly. When he saw that he had their attention, he spoke again. "What do you hear?"
The softness of the eldest twin's voice provided a point of reference for the others, making it quite clear as to what exactly it was that had drawn his attention.
"The forest as well as our forest kin have gone silent." Legolas said seriously as he raised his bow.
The four positioned themselves so none of them was in the shot path of the others. It was coming right at them, "it" being the smell of evil or perhaps an evil command. But whether or not it was a benign force fueled by the evil intent of another was one debate that would serve no useful purpose and so the sons of Elrond and the Mirkwood Prince emptied their minds of such useless bits and pieces of distracting thoughts and became the seasoned warriors they all were, preparing themselves for whatever was coming their way. The natural light around them dimmed as an unnatural, concealing mist rolled towards them from the shadows of the forest.
"Nobody shoot unless you are sure of where the others are." Elladan cautioned. "Now ready yourselves."
Their horses began to lather as they snorted, danced and stomped their hooves and it was only the close bond they shared with their riders that kept them from bolting to the safety of anywhere else.
"Steady." Elrohir said calmly as Aragorn's horse accidentally moved into his own, the impact jarring both riders. Aragorn expertly used knee pressure to signal his horse away, all without loosening his grip on his bow or taking his eyes off the unnatural mist.
Then as if a damn had burst, the small clearing they were in was suddenly filled as animals of all sizes and descriptions suddenly poured out of the mist. A buck slid to a stop in front of the group then cut right as it instinctively tried to avoid a collision. A pair of foxes darted between the legs of the horses then sped off into the nearby underbrush. Squirrels, game birds, owls and even a pair of wolves charged past them, ignoring the four horses and their riders as well as those fleeing beside them.
The four friends felt that the worst part of what was happening might be behind them, so after a large bear galloped by, ignoring them completely, they made a mistake that would end up costing them dearly. Thinking their ordeal to be over, they sighed deeply then all but Legolas relaxed their grip on their bows. It was Elladan who was closest to the mist, who turned his head to speak to the others and so missed it when a large male, feline predator, heavily muscled and ill tempered, ran straight at Elladan's mare. Not even the steady and faithful Aranel could hold her ground in the face of such aggressive rage and as the tawny cat leapt at her, its huge paws spread and all claws fully extended, she broke ranks and rose high into the air, screaming in fear – then in pain as the big cat opened her shoulder to the bone.
As he felt the white mare's center of balance shift as she began to fall backwards, Elladan kicked free of the stirrups then just before the mare's body hit the ground, he threw himself off her back and rolled away. He heard three arrows fly close over his head then the snarl of big cat abruptly ended.
Elladan had just regained his feet and was turning to go see to Aranel when his brothers and Legolas cried out a warning and when he turned to look at the three, saw them pointing to a place directly behind him. He spun around then his eyes widened as he saw ten wild boars running at him out of the mist. He was quickly separated from the others who were trying to bring their own panicking mounts under control so they could go to his aid.
His elvish reflexes served him well as he nimbly avoided the first few boars but his luck did not last long as he stumbled over a half-buried rock and fell to the ground, rolling this way and that as he barely managed to avoid both tusks and feet. A blow from behind drove the air from his body and for a moment, he could neither move nor breathe. He heard his brothers and Legolas call his name but he did not have the breath or the time to answer them as the boar that had attacked him backed away then pawed at the ground as he prepared to charge once again.
Elladan knew he couldn't avoid the boar and prepared to roll himself into a ball to present the smallest target possible and hopefully avoid being killed. A scream of fury coming from his left caused him to raise his head just in time to see a bloody and battered Aranel put herself between her beloved rider and the charging boar. High into the air she rose, screaming in a futile attempt to intimidate the animal in front of her and force him to break off his attack.
Unfortunately, the boar was not intimidated and driven by an unfamiliar but compelling inner voice, the creature ran forward and when Aranel came down from her rear, the boar used her descending momentum to sink his tusks deep into her belly, fatally wounding her. As if the tragedy was some prearranged signal, the other boars came to a halt then turned and retreated into the mist, which rolled back into the forest and quickly disappeared from sight.
Elladan didn't bother getting to his feet but crawled to where Aranel now lay, her life's blood soaking the ground beneath her. When he reached her, he took one look at her wound and instantly knew that nothing could be done to save her. Elrohir, Aragorn and Legolas dismounted then stood a respectful distance away so the eldest twin could have some privacy to say goodbye to a dear friend.
The mare was moaning in pain but when Elladan reached her, she nickered weakly and tried to nuzzle him. When he had seated himself he took Aranel's head and placed it in his lap then began caressing her comfortingly, not bothering to wipe away the single tear that rolled down his cheek.
"My dear friend … faithful to the end although I wish that you hadn't tried to save me. I could have done it myself, you silly thing."
Aranel weakly raised her head then took his hand gently with her teeth, a final game between friends. Elladan's breath hitched when she let go and laid her head back down on his lap.
"I'm sorry … it is not my intention to make light of your sacrifice."
He was silent for a moment as he tried to think of what he wanted to say to Aranel in her last moments.
"My heart doesn't want you to go even though I know that to stay much longer would just prolong your suffering. I will miss you, sweet lady, and until the ending of all things and beyond there will never be another who could take your place in my heart.
Go, Aranel – you have my blessing. Go to that far green country where the air is crisp and cool and the water is always fresh and sweet. There will come a day when you will hear a familiar voice and when you raise your head you will see me walking towards you – we will find each other again – I promise."
He looked up when he felt a consoling hand on his shoulder. Elrohir had trouble speaking, for his own chest was tight with grief.
"Brother, she's gone." He said quietly.
Elladan's head snapped around and saw that Aranel was no longer drawing breath. Without speaking, he removed her bitless bridle and forcefully threw it into the forest then after drawing his boot knife, cut a few strands of her snow-white mane and tenderly put them into his pocket.
No words were spoken as the four covered the mare's body with large rocks so that her final sleep would be undisturbed by those who would feed off her if they could. After Elladan kissed his fingers then touched the mare's cooling forehead in a final farewell, he placed the final stone on the grave, cutting her off from his sight, then turned and began walking away.
He ignored all offers of a ride and kept on walking as if he had not heard them at all. Behind him, Elrohir, Aragorn and Legolas looked at each other then as one, dismounted.
"If Elladan does not ride then neither do we." Aragorn knew the others felt just as he did and after their heartfelt show of support, joined the eldest twin and began their journey home.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
She knew the exact moment that her hand touched the dragon Lord's golden horn, for she instantly felt as if her entire body had been touched by warm silk. At the same instant, all her other senses went dead and she reacted by opening her eyes and reflexively reaching out with her hands as her equilibrium, disrupted by the lack of sensory input, made her feel as if she were falling.
Then she felt a gentle, steadying touch as someone put an arm around her shoulders and took her hand. She was shocked to see the bronze-robed being standing at her side and the twinkle in his amber colored eyes confirmed what her heart had already told her.
"Lord Asgorath? How ... but I thought ..."
The dragon/Lord smiled down at her.
"You are not expected to experience this journey without a guide, young one."
He gestured to the panorama around them.
"This is my gift to you, Master Gardener, Anayah."
The two began walking and though her first steps were timid, when she found that she was in no actual danger of falling, grew more confident and began to look at the wonders before her as she walked along. Everywhere were points of light, almost like the stars in the sky – a whole field of stars – with each light being connected to one or more points of light by thin gossamer strands, connected to another and another and so on. But even though she and her escort walked among the points of light, passing through the thin, connecting strands, they remained undisturbed and unchanged.
"What are these things?" She asked as she ran her hand back and forth through a strand without disturbing it.
"Think of them as historical repositories for the manifestation of the dreams and desires of every sentient being since Arda's birth."
When he once more looked at the she-elf walking at his side he noticed that she was looking at him with the patented raised eyebrow look so common to all members of the family and extended family of the Lord of Imladris.
"What?" Somehow he knew something profound and uniquely Anayah was coming his way.
"Under most circumstances I would bow to your greatness and wisdom, my Lord, but at this moment I can honestly say that the energy normally spent on such a task has been untimely spent in trying to figure out what you just said."
He was silent a moment then when he realized that his verbal joke had been turned back on him, began to laugh, hugging Anayah mightily. In turn, she pushed herself away from him and with squinty eyes glaring at him, made a show of straightening her clothing and smoothing down her hair. Finally, she laughed as well and after once more taking the dragon/Lord's arm, hugged it, then encouraged him to continue with the tour.
"Some of these lights represent opportunities which are connected to the consequences of those opportunities. We will explore a few together. I must caution you, however, that while you may nurture or share the general knowledge of things and thereby keep the consequences alive, you are forbidden to share the particulars – you will shortly understand what I mean."
They walked for a bit in silence, the dragon/Lord looking this way and that, his brows furrowed in concentration. Finally, his face lit up.
"Ah, yes ... here's the first one I wanted to show you."
He touched one of the points of light and it grew to the size of a book. Anayah watched it for awhile then her face lit up in recognition.
"That's Elias running with a group of mares!"
As she continued to watch, she saw Elias racing, fighting, resting and playing. Asgorath put a hand on Anayah's shoulder.
"Now the consequences."
The two followed the gossamer strand to another point of light connected to another then to three others. In the first of these lights, she saw magnificent white stallions performing side by side in an enclosure. While those watching clapped wildly, the white stallions performed complicated maneuvers such as dancing in place, rearing and posing. When one stallion leaped into the air, lashing straight back with his hind legs, Anayah gasped then quickly put her hand over her mouth.
"Elias does that!" She said excitedly.
Asgorath smiled.
"I see you recognize these horses performing some of skills you have taught your own talented Elias."
Asgorath touched the next five closest points of light and Anayah saw 5 different horses, all shown winning races to the applause of thousands. Asgorath spoke the names as he pointed to each horse.
"Man of War, War Admiral, Sea Biscuit, Affirmed and Seattle Slew. The heroes and inspiration for future generations of horses' ... and all noble descendents of your Elias. What would people think if they knew the great speed and heart these horses possessed came from the 4-legged partner of an elf?"
Anayah nodded.
"What we know, what we think and what we do all have consequences, the children of ideas and the grandchildren of dreams."
Asgorath nodded.
"Exactly. Every breath is accounted for, every action written down by our Lord in this garden of lights." He gestured to the points of light that surrounded them. "And herein lies the lesson – everything we do will have far reaching consequences in the life ages that come after us – our children will take what we do and add to it and their children after them and so on.
Orion … young Hyadar's faithful companion is the predecessor of dogs that give willing service as companions to the physically challenged, the sightless as well as the lonely.
The Rangers, whose name, skills and way of life lives on for life ages to come.
The Thurin Tirith whose size and skills evolve and live on in the military of the future. Their concept of chaste chivalry gains strength and respect in another warrior order called the Knights Templar."
They walked on and Anayah looked at many things, in awe of all that she was witness to. She noticed, after a time, that Asgorath had fallen silent.
"My Lord? Are you troubled?"
The dragon/Lord bent over and kissed her on the temple.
"I was but thinking of how to present what is perhaps the most important aspect of all this." He stopped, momentarily frowning. "The things you have witnessed … have glimpsed ... are things that have happened in both the past as well as the future ... they are things that have already happened. What you must learn is how to recognize things in your own time – opportunities, if you will – and nurture those ideas, forever aware that they are opportunities for future consequences."
"You are making my brain hurt again!"
She hugged the dragon/Lord's shoulder and in turn he laughed.
"Seriously, my Lord, I do understand what you are trying to teach me. In my lifetime, I will encounter opportunities that I can choose to nurture into new points of light or I can choose to walk around them."
Asgorath nodded his head.
"I knew you would understand. Even if you never have another chance to visit this place, you will have its memory in your heart and will know that your garden is forever growing." He grew serious. "Anayah, the people of Arda cannot be allowed to slumber through any of these present wonders, or any of the wonders yet to come and while I understand that this may seem like a daunting task, I have faith that you will always be the best gardener I could have ever found."
"And in turn, I can only work as hard as I possibly can to live up to the faith you have in me, my Lord. I will truly do my best."
Asgorath smiled at her.
"I know that you will, Anayah." He sighed deeply, as if he felt his torch had been successfully passed on to his successor. "Now, there is one more thing that I wish to show you."
Anayah barely had time to take a breath before one field of light was exchanged for another, these particular points of light without any connecting strands. She looked around her in awe for she found herself standing among the stars.
Stars grew old and died while others sprang forth from the debris of worlds that had given up their spirits before Arda had even been born. She jumped when Asgorath spoke.
"We have always protected Arda from physical stagnation of both the spirit and mind, but now the time of men is upon us, Anayah, and these people must be encouraged to see new opportunities to make their lives richer. This place will always have its Saurons and Witch Kings in any of a number of incarnations but if the people choose, your garden will always grow for there will always be those who refuse to give ground before those who would extinguish the light of 'hope' forever. If you ever begin to doubt your purpose in all this, look to the heavens and let their true scope and grandeur soothe your heart."
He sighed.
"Well, I think it is about time to go back now."
Without another word, the two beings began walking. Asgorath noticed an expression of intense concentration on Anayah's face.
"Speak, child, before you explode from all that contained energy of thought."
She was silent for just another moment.
"My Lord, will the race of man grieve for the passing of the race of Eldar?"
"For a time … yes they will … but even after the concept passes into legend and myth just as memories of my kind will pass into legend and myth, our lives and memories will live on in other ways – remember … opportunities and consequences."
They talked of other things then – more opportunities and consequences – until their words and physical forms faded away, leaving the heavens as they had been before they had passed through. In the garden of light, unseen by a certain she-elf, another light blinked into existence and was quickly connected by a gossamer strand to another point of light far off in the distance. In that point of light, in another time, a writer sat at a computer, busily typing a story … a story of elves and dragon Lords and the wonders of exploration and discovery … opportunities and consequences realized.
TBC
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