NOTE: Thanks so much Tinania Lindaleriel! Hope you guys like this one!
KNOWING ONE'S PLACE: 4
"So, what is it that troubles you?"
The two siblings were now seated in a position where they could stretch out their feet into the clear water of the pond, which they allowed their bare feet to do.
"I'm a little tired of being asked that question." Amdiriel answered to her brother.
"You talked to Naneth?"
"Yes. But what makes you think something troubles me?"
"Don't think only one person can hear you speak in your slumber? Especially since you not only speak but scream as well."
"I guess I get a little carried away in my dreams."
"So, what did you dream of?"
"Nothing, Eldarion. Let it alone."
"Alright, but it is known that dreams hold our subconscious desires. Did your dream reveal that to you?"
"In a sense, it might of. It didn't really give me an answer though, it only confused me more."
"Well, what is it that you want?"
Amdiriel paused for a moment, hesitant about whether or not she would tell her brother, solely due to the fact that she felt her idea stupid.
"I. I really just want to know my place."
Eldarion looked to her with confused eyes.
"Your place? Your place is here, daughter of Aragorn, princess of Gondor, friend to the free people of Middle Earth."
"That's not what I mean. I mean where do you think I will be in ten years? Married off to a man that I might possibly love to spend the rest of my days idle in a kingdom such as this one? Do you not see it, Eldarion? You are the heir, Maethoriel the warrior, Nestor the healer. Something defines the rest of you, that one characteristic that is so obviously going to set your place in history. But what of me? What will I become? I do not have an exceptional gift to heal such as Nestor, nor do I harbor extraordinary talent with the sword, I'm only average in both crafts. I sit here idly, wandering about everywhere, just waiting to be married off so I can travel to another land and repeat the same pattern. My life leads nowhere."
"How can you say that? You have a purpose, Amdiriel, you have that one characteristic, you just haven't discovered it as quickly as the three of us, but it will come, you must only be patient."
At that moment they heard the sounds of footsteps approaching. Both turned around simultaneously, to see Laurelas approach.
"Laurelas. How was the trip?" Eldarion asked, griping his shoulder as show of friendship.
"Alright, it was only a few days in Ithilian," he replied, as he took a seat next to Eldarion, removing his boots to let his own two feet feel the coolness of the water. "Your mother asked me to relay a message to you two, as she went to go find your sisters. Only an hour ago, Aragorn received word from Rohan, requesting his presence as soon as possible by King Eomer. He leaves tomorrow, as soon as the day breaks."
"What do you think it is?" Eldarion asked confusion and worry could be heard in his tone.
"I don't know really, whatever it is let's hope it to be unthreatening."
Little did they know what the future held. For in a land near the Northern Waste, was hidden a threat that had been growing for years. A man, a simple man previously known as Ainik, who had once lived amongst the free people of Middle Earth, was now plotting a way to annex it. His life had taken many twist and turns, and how he had gone from being a simple herdsman in Anfalas to becoming a man hungry for power was a mystery even to him. The age he became a man he was told of his destiny, how he was a long lined descendant of the Witch- King. How, he did not know, but at the time he discovered his lineage, he was afraid. The same blood flowed through his veins, that tainted blood, even if it was only a little of it, so he hid himself, fearing that one day something will trigger that piece of spirit he so wished he lacked. But he could not escape it. One day, in a field, he was called by something. A voice rang so loud in his head he fell to his knees and cried in agony. "What do you want of me?!" He shouted to the clear sky. But the voice answered with demonic laughter, which only frightened the man even more. He felt something come over him, and he blacked out. The rest he tries to relive, but as hard as he tries he cannot. He tried to go back to his life as a herdsman, but the longing for power finally took hold of him so tightly he could no longer ignore it. His life as a herdsman was lost, and he traveled to the land of Mordor, for that's what the voice commanded of him. There he gathered what orcs and Uruk- hai had survived, showing them a brand that had formed on his arm from the day in the field, and they followed. He bred them to make an army. Over the years his army grew, and each and every day what little was left of his humble spirit transformed into one of power and command. He hadn't known what the army was for, never sending them to do anything except quietly ravage a few villages for food, until one day that voice that had so forcefully spoken to him that day in the field, returned to speak to him again.
"Bring to me the son of elves and the daughter of hope. Wring their blood to the very last drop."
With the command came the feeling of hate. He suddenly felt tremendous, indescribable hate for the house of Telcontar. He formed a company of orc and Uruk-hai and ordered they bring the prince and his golden haired sister to him. At the last minute, he called to the leader of the newly formed company, "Bring to me the two other daughters of our dear king as well," he instructed. "But master, how will we know which ones they are?" He rolled his eyes, showing his apparent annoyance with the creature. "One cannot speak, not a sound comes from her mouth. The other is quite young, slender in form with natural beauty glowing from her face; her hair dark, long and straight. I assure you, you will know." And with that, they were off, in the direction of Gondor.
THE NEXT DAY
Just as Laurelas had told, Aragorn was set to travel at the first sign of daybreak. It had only been Arwen who had come to greet him off, for their children were still asleep in their beds.
"Arwen, about Amdiriel, I thought about her dream the entire night, mainly because I am worried just as you are. This call from Eomer couldn't have come at a worst time, for I fear something is stirring up, and I do not know what. But with no proof I have no choice but to follow my duty rather than my senses. When I return we will settle this, but I ask you please be careful. I have sent a letter to Faramir and the Lady Eowyn, telling them to let Anárion and Arodiel stay here for a few more days, for I feel something is lurking out there, and I would feel much better to let them wait a few days rather than travel now."
"I understand. But if you feel something is out there then my only request is you take care of yourself. I will watch over the children, as I hope you will watch out for your own. Return to me, safe Estel, go to Rohan, counsel Eomer, but whatever may happen promise me you will not freely go into battle."
Arwen looked to him with pleading eyes. Aragorn chuckled lightly, wanting to dodge the promise that he knew he did not want to agree to.
"I love you, Undómiel." He said as he gently placed a kiss upon her lips, holding her close to chest.
"I love you." She replied as they parted, knowing he would heed her word but not follow it entirely.
Within moments the party rode off, leaving the gates of the city.
LATER THAT MORNING
Just as the rest of the royal family of Gondor was sitting down to breakfast, a maid had come in with much haste in her voice.
"Pardon my intrusion milady, but you have a visitor," she humbly told Arwen.
"A visitor? But no one is expected today, come, lead me to our guest," she motioned to the woman, as the maid complied and led the queen towards the citadel's entrance.
The five children, and their two guests, quickly gave each other glances, and spared no time in following the Lady Arwen, curious themselves as to who would just show up and request visitation with the first family of Gondor. The group all paused behind Arwen at the entrance to the great hall that contained the throne of the king and queen, to see a young maiden ascend the steps towards the entrance. All they could tell was her slender form, as the hood of her cloak blanketed her head. A young rider walked before her, and introduced her.
"Milady," he said as he bowed. "I've come to bring the daughter of Prince Amrothos."
"Aeronel?" Nestor finished for him. Nestor had not seen Aeronel since they were young, but her good friend still held a place in her heart, and hearing the title of "daughter of Amrothos" clearly gave away her identity.
Aeronel unmasked herself, and revealed a new face, aged beautifully into a young maiden. Nestor smiled and immediately went up to her long lost friend and gave her a welcoming hug. As followed Anárion, then Arodiel, who were Aeronel's second cousins. Aeronel had certainly grown. Her body finally bloomed into that of a young woman, her hair as long and as straight as Nestor's, and almost the same shade of brown; her skin fair but her cheeks naturally rosey to match her cherry lips. She was slender in build, due to her unusually tall stature, and her face gave off a hint childish features, for she looked young for her age. Nestor was not the only one who had noticed the change in her friend, for Eldarion had gave note to Aeronel also. He felt almost breath taken by her beauty, and couldn't believe this was the same young girl he shooed away along with his youngest sister in annoyance those days when they were children some ten years ago.
The rider kindly ignored the reunion to give a note to the Lady Arwen. "Milady." He said, as he handed her the note.
"Arwen, this is one more child to worry about. I'm sorry if I bring a burden to you, but Amrothos and his brothers have been called to Rohan as well as Faramir. The Lady Eowyn should be coming in your company in a day or two. It was of my request, for I fear that Aeronel, and Eowyn will not be safe in Dol Amroth or Ithilian alone. Something draws near Arwen, I do not know what, but I would feel best if ALL our loved ones could be safe, and I feel assured somehow for them to be in Minas Tirith. Do not worry my love. ESTEL"
Arwen looked up from the letter to find Aeronel looking at her with questioning eyes. She gave a warm smile and welcomed the girl into their home.
All those under her care, including Aeronel now, turned to enter back inside, but Arwen lingered behind, as the rider bowed to the Lady and began to head back to his horse. She then looked out into the great city, and a little farther to outside the gates. The wind blew gently in her face, as the words Aragorn spoke echoed in her mind.
". Something draws near."
TBC. Sorry if it's kind of long. So yeah, we got a threat now. It was really difficult for me to come up with an enemy, because I didn't want to do something like have a second destructive ring, but I wanted something that would seem real. Please let me know if you think my idea is. well bad. And please keep reviewing! Thanks so much to those who have!! Hope you liked it!
KNOWING ONE'S PLACE: 4
"So, what is it that troubles you?"
The two siblings were now seated in a position where they could stretch out their feet into the clear water of the pond, which they allowed their bare feet to do.
"I'm a little tired of being asked that question." Amdiriel answered to her brother.
"You talked to Naneth?"
"Yes. But what makes you think something troubles me?"
"Don't think only one person can hear you speak in your slumber? Especially since you not only speak but scream as well."
"I guess I get a little carried away in my dreams."
"So, what did you dream of?"
"Nothing, Eldarion. Let it alone."
"Alright, but it is known that dreams hold our subconscious desires. Did your dream reveal that to you?"
"In a sense, it might of. It didn't really give me an answer though, it only confused me more."
"Well, what is it that you want?"
Amdiriel paused for a moment, hesitant about whether or not she would tell her brother, solely due to the fact that she felt her idea stupid.
"I. I really just want to know my place."
Eldarion looked to her with confused eyes.
"Your place? Your place is here, daughter of Aragorn, princess of Gondor, friend to the free people of Middle Earth."
"That's not what I mean. I mean where do you think I will be in ten years? Married off to a man that I might possibly love to spend the rest of my days idle in a kingdom such as this one? Do you not see it, Eldarion? You are the heir, Maethoriel the warrior, Nestor the healer. Something defines the rest of you, that one characteristic that is so obviously going to set your place in history. But what of me? What will I become? I do not have an exceptional gift to heal such as Nestor, nor do I harbor extraordinary talent with the sword, I'm only average in both crafts. I sit here idly, wandering about everywhere, just waiting to be married off so I can travel to another land and repeat the same pattern. My life leads nowhere."
"How can you say that? You have a purpose, Amdiriel, you have that one characteristic, you just haven't discovered it as quickly as the three of us, but it will come, you must only be patient."
At that moment they heard the sounds of footsteps approaching. Both turned around simultaneously, to see Laurelas approach.
"Laurelas. How was the trip?" Eldarion asked, griping his shoulder as show of friendship.
"Alright, it was only a few days in Ithilian," he replied, as he took a seat next to Eldarion, removing his boots to let his own two feet feel the coolness of the water. "Your mother asked me to relay a message to you two, as she went to go find your sisters. Only an hour ago, Aragorn received word from Rohan, requesting his presence as soon as possible by King Eomer. He leaves tomorrow, as soon as the day breaks."
"What do you think it is?" Eldarion asked confusion and worry could be heard in his tone.
"I don't know really, whatever it is let's hope it to be unthreatening."
Little did they know what the future held. For in a land near the Northern Waste, was hidden a threat that had been growing for years. A man, a simple man previously known as Ainik, who had once lived amongst the free people of Middle Earth, was now plotting a way to annex it. His life had taken many twist and turns, and how he had gone from being a simple herdsman in Anfalas to becoming a man hungry for power was a mystery even to him. The age he became a man he was told of his destiny, how he was a long lined descendant of the Witch- King. How, he did not know, but at the time he discovered his lineage, he was afraid. The same blood flowed through his veins, that tainted blood, even if it was only a little of it, so he hid himself, fearing that one day something will trigger that piece of spirit he so wished he lacked. But he could not escape it. One day, in a field, he was called by something. A voice rang so loud in his head he fell to his knees and cried in agony. "What do you want of me?!" He shouted to the clear sky. But the voice answered with demonic laughter, which only frightened the man even more. He felt something come over him, and he blacked out. The rest he tries to relive, but as hard as he tries he cannot. He tried to go back to his life as a herdsman, but the longing for power finally took hold of him so tightly he could no longer ignore it. His life as a herdsman was lost, and he traveled to the land of Mordor, for that's what the voice commanded of him. There he gathered what orcs and Uruk- hai had survived, showing them a brand that had formed on his arm from the day in the field, and they followed. He bred them to make an army. Over the years his army grew, and each and every day what little was left of his humble spirit transformed into one of power and command. He hadn't known what the army was for, never sending them to do anything except quietly ravage a few villages for food, until one day that voice that had so forcefully spoken to him that day in the field, returned to speak to him again.
"Bring to me the son of elves and the daughter of hope. Wring their blood to the very last drop."
With the command came the feeling of hate. He suddenly felt tremendous, indescribable hate for the house of Telcontar. He formed a company of orc and Uruk-hai and ordered they bring the prince and his golden haired sister to him. At the last minute, he called to the leader of the newly formed company, "Bring to me the two other daughters of our dear king as well," he instructed. "But master, how will we know which ones they are?" He rolled his eyes, showing his apparent annoyance with the creature. "One cannot speak, not a sound comes from her mouth. The other is quite young, slender in form with natural beauty glowing from her face; her hair dark, long and straight. I assure you, you will know." And with that, they were off, in the direction of Gondor.
THE NEXT DAY
Just as Laurelas had told, Aragorn was set to travel at the first sign of daybreak. It had only been Arwen who had come to greet him off, for their children were still asleep in their beds.
"Arwen, about Amdiriel, I thought about her dream the entire night, mainly because I am worried just as you are. This call from Eomer couldn't have come at a worst time, for I fear something is stirring up, and I do not know what. But with no proof I have no choice but to follow my duty rather than my senses. When I return we will settle this, but I ask you please be careful. I have sent a letter to Faramir and the Lady Eowyn, telling them to let Anárion and Arodiel stay here for a few more days, for I feel something is lurking out there, and I would feel much better to let them wait a few days rather than travel now."
"I understand. But if you feel something is out there then my only request is you take care of yourself. I will watch over the children, as I hope you will watch out for your own. Return to me, safe Estel, go to Rohan, counsel Eomer, but whatever may happen promise me you will not freely go into battle."
Arwen looked to him with pleading eyes. Aragorn chuckled lightly, wanting to dodge the promise that he knew he did not want to agree to.
"I love you, Undómiel." He said as he gently placed a kiss upon her lips, holding her close to chest.
"I love you." She replied as they parted, knowing he would heed her word but not follow it entirely.
Within moments the party rode off, leaving the gates of the city.
LATER THAT MORNING
Just as the rest of the royal family of Gondor was sitting down to breakfast, a maid had come in with much haste in her voice.
"Pardon my intrusion milady, but you have a visitor," she humbly told Arwen.
"A visitor? But no one is expected today, come, lead me to our guest," she motioned to the woman, as the maid complied and led the queen towards the citadel's entrance.
The five children, and their two guests, quickly gave each other glances, and spared no time in following the Lady Arwen, curious themselves as to who would just show up and request visitation with the first family of Gondor. The group all paused behind Arwen at the entrance to the great hall that contained the throne of the king and queen, to see a young maiden ascend the steps towards the entrance. All they could tell was her slender form, as the hood of her cloak blanketed her head. A young rider walked before her, and introduced her.
"Milady," he said as he bowed. "I've come to bring the daughter of Prince Amrothos."
"Aeronel?" Nestor finished for him. Nestor had not seen Aeronel since they were young, but her good friend still held a place in her heart, and hearing the title of "daughter of Amrothos" clearly gave away her identity.
Aeronel unmasked herself, and revealed a new face, aged beautifully into a young maiden. Nestor smiled and immediately went up to her long lost friend and gave her a welcoming hug. As followed Anárion, then Arodiel, who were Aeronel's second cousins. Aeronel had certainly grown. Her body finally bloomed into that of a young woman, her hair as long and as straight as Nestor's, and almost the same shade of brown; her skin fair but her cheeks naturally rosey to match her cherry lips. She was slender in build, due to her unusually tall stature, and her face gave off a hint childish features, for she looked young for her age. Nestor was not the only one who had noticed the change in her friend, for Eldarion had gave note to Aeronel also. He felt almost breath taken by her beauty, and couldn't believe this was the same young girl he shooed away along with his youngest sister in annoyance those days when they were children some ten years ago.
The rider kindly ignored the reunion to give a note to the Lady Arwen. "Milady." He said, as he handed her the note.
"Arwen, this is one more child to worry about. I'm sorry if I bring a burden to you, but Amrothos and his brothers have been called to Rohan as well as Faramir. The Lady Eowyn should be coming in your company in a day or two. It was of my request, for I fear that Aeronel, and Eowyn will not be safe in Dol Amroth or Ithilian alone. Something draws near Arwen, I do not know what, but I would feel best if ALL our loved ones could be safe, and I feel assured somehow for them to be in Minas Tirith. Do not worry my love. ESTEL"
Arwen looked up from the letter to find Aeronel looking at her with questioning eyes. She gave a warm smile and welcomed the girl into their home.
All those under her care, including Aeronel now, turned to enter back inside, but Arwen lingered behind, as the rider bowed to the Lady and began to head back to his horse. She then looked out into the great city, and a little farther to outside the gates. The wind blew gently in her face, as the words Aragorn spoke echoed in her mind.
". Something draws near."
TBC. Sorry if it's kind of long. So yeah, we got a threat now. It was really difficult for me to come up with an enemy, because I didn't want to do something like have a second destructive ring, but I wanted something that would seem real. Please let me know if you think my idea is. well bad. And please keep reviewing! Thanks so much to those who have!! Hope you liked it!
