Finuala Ratha, daughter of Nuanda Ratha, a retired advisor in Rohirrim, was an expert healer. Especially considering she was still young, her magic had also slowed her aging, and had very limited knowledge of her own magic. Though she was a great healer, she traveled around so she help could the ones in need around all of middle earth. Although her age and gender was a slight disadvantage when she traveled, she didn't let that stop her from doing what she felt was her purpose in life. Among many, she was known as 'the Red Lady.'
One day, about a fortnight ago, she was asked a favor she couldn't even comprehend the importance of. It had been evening and she had just finished helping take care of a group of traders who were attacked by a small group of wondering orcs.
The area was wooded leading out to the plains of a nearby town, she was wearing one of her simple green gowns, having been called to the area after a survivor had pleaded for her to help the injured. Nuala had just packed up her now-depleted supplies when she was called out from behind.
"I don't suppose you have time for an old friend, do you?" The mans voice was but a whisper, but it rang loud in her ears.
Nuala was able to recognize that voice anywhere. She turned instantly lighting up at the sight of her friend. " Gandalf! A pleasure it would be to be graced with your company!" She smiled at the approaching figure.
The man was dressed in grey robes and hat with blue accenting the grey with belts and strings. His hat stood stout at the top of the man's head. Although she also was of the human race, he was still a little more than a head taller than her. And by no standards was she considered short. She stood at around 170 cm or about 5'7 with long bright auburn hair that reached her waist and deep brown eyes. She was considered to be fair with clear tanned skin and nice teeth. She was blessed with wide hips and a perky bust.
"My when was the last time I last saw you? You haven't seemed to age one bit," Gandalf spoke once he reached the girl on his horse. Climbing down to stand beside the woman.
Before replying she bent down to pick up her kits and traveling bags: "I would have to say it's been far to long. You know it's the magic slowing my aging. How are you my friend?" She inquired as they began walking.
They began traveling out the edge of the forest along the road. She had hoped she could guide him to the inn she was staying at so they could chat, but knowing him he would have to leave not long after whatever discussion it was that he wanted to have with her.
"I am as well as I can be, my dear. But I must speak with haste, for I do not have much time. It was a lot harder to find you then expected," he spoke, quickly peering over not only her shoulder, but his as well.
"Well speak away, for I will try to accommodate for the lost time by listening intently and asking questions later," she spoke trying to calm the wizard. It was quite unusual to see him so flustered, if it could be called that.
He began speaking quickly and quietly, "I am in need of your help. There is a pair of hobbits that will be traveling into Bree at the prancing pony in the next 15 days and I would wish for you to meet them there. Their names are a Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee. I will hope that I will be able to meet them there myself, but I am making sure if there's chance that I won't. If I am not able to be there by the time they reach, I need you to accompany them to Rivendell."
He paused for a moment letting her take in the information. So many questions were running through her head but she knew that she wouldn't be able to get answers to them all.
Then a thought came to mind, "Gandalf, you should know my fighting skills are not up to par with my healing skills. I may not be able to protect them, for it seems they are to be chased or hunted," Nuala was becoming concerned quickly.
"That is why there will be someone else there. He goes by the name Strider. He is one of the most skilled fighters not born of the dwarven or elven race that I know. I trust him. I know it is not much to go on or even the easiest to accept but I would not ask it of you if I did not believe you could do it," he pressed, once more looking over his shoulders.
"That is high praise coming from you," Nuala paused. "What is it about these hobbits that make you ask this of me? I shall go, but I will expect you there Gandalf," she said pointedly.
"My dear, I will explain when I can, but for now if there seems to be anything you think that you need before seeing me, ask Strider. Thank you my friend and now I must make haste," he spoke quickly before leaving in a hurry.
Adeline watched the wizard ride away until he disappeared in the horizon. She shook her head before setting off for more supplies and began thinking of all the possibilities of what will come of this.
When thirteen days past, Nuala found herself outside the Prancing Pony. She looked up and saw the clouds rolling in, the sky turning dark and dreary.
"The sky's speak of the approaching darkness," she murmured walking in the inn.
Once the woman walked in she could instantly smell the ale. The room was full of people at tables or the bar. The room was darkly lit but not in an unusual way. There was a frontal bar area where a man stood, the inn keeper. She had visited this inn once before after being brought over when one of the tenants fell ill. She pulled her hood on her traveling clothes slightly lower as she approached the bar.
"I wish to get a room, as separate from others if possible," she requested, deepening her voice.
"If you can pay for it, you can. Mister.." He trailed off waiting for a name.
"Myriad," she stated.
"Of course," he looked as if he wanted to say more, but stopped when she set a bundle on the bar.
She earned money easily from some of the wealthier people she has helped, but never took more than necessary. The man accepted the money, understanding she wouldn't be revealing much more. He handed her a key to her room and told her the directions to the room.
She traveled to her room and checked all surrounding areas for any unusual happenings. Once she entered her room, she hid some of her healing remedies and placed her weapons in different parts of the room. She only usually carried her bow and short sword, but opted for her rapier and a dagger as well. Making sure the room was clear, she collapsed onto the bed in weariness. Nuala decided to stay in her room that night, opting out of joining the probable drunken men and tipsy wenches.
When the next morn came, Nuala woke and dressed in drab and worn clothing to prevent suspicion falling on her. The key for now was to blend and wait. Wait she did, for no hobbits showed up and she didn't discover this Strider fellow either. She assumed though, based on Gandalf's praise, this man was going to find her before her him.
There were no Hobbits, but there was still a day left. Nuala tried to keep her gender hidden, it always complicated things when people found out she was a woman. She spoke to a few of the barmaids, not minding too much when they had that knowing look in their eyes after speaking to her, but still answered her questions. Apparently there was a man named Strider there, he was quite the talk as he was a ranger and a dunedain.
"Yes, he doesn't speak much and keeps himself in that corner most of the time he's out of his room or in the stables. He arrived a few days before you," Lilian, one of the barmaids who spoke to Nuala the most, told her. "But you're quite the talk too, at least among us barmaids, why hide?"
"For the same reason as you have said. I'm actually waiting on some Hobbits that are supposed to be here tomorrow." Nuala felt a heavy gaze on her back and felt a tingle of her magic flow to her hand and looked back sharply, Strider was watching her. Twisting her fingers to twist around her gold ring with a small band of rubies around the ring, Nuala turned back to Lilian, who didn't seem to notice the flinch of the other woman.
"Hobbits? Haven't seen them around here in a while. Hobbits don't travel out much anymore." Lilian tucked a thin hand under chin. She was pale with a map of freckles across her face with dark green eyes and short bouncy blonde hair.
"Well when you happen to see them, would you let me know?" Nuala said, wanting to turn back to the man still staring intently behind her.
"Don't think it'll do much good, not with how little has happened around here. Word will travel quicker than I will," the girl shrugged, grabbing Nuala's cup and walking off to refill it.
After Lilian brought her drink back and left to attend other patrons, Nuala raised her glass in Striders direction and took a drink. Silently the man returned the gesture. Her magic was buzzing and it made her slightly antsy. Who was this Strider?