Chapter 2
Plans and Escape - 497 years later May 16
Narelle sneaked slowly into her father's study, trying her hardest to not make a sound. The cool night wind blew her long hair lightly causing it to form a small cape of black behind her. Narelle stopped suddenly and peered into the dark study, her sensitive ears easily catching her father's quiet snores.
Lord Elrond sat sleeping in his chair as he often did. He would stay up well into the night studying and planning. Evil still roamed the land, causing the Lord to constantly keep his eyes open. He worked late into the nights devising new ways to protect his people if ever the occasion arouse. The long hours often caused him to fall into slumber while sitting in his chair, and this night was no exception.
Gaining her confidence once again Narelle continued her silent creeping into the study. She watched her father's open eyes for a moment trying to decide if she should try her luck and enter the room on the small notion that she would not be caught or if she should retire to her room and wait for a better time.
Narelle jumped back suddenly as a grunt escaped her father's lips. She stepped back into the shadows as she watched her father rub his eyes and stand. Lord Elrond scanned his study with weary eyes; his senses had caught a presence earlier that had awoken him.
Narelle watched as her father's eyes glanced around the room; she grimaced when his gaze landed on the dark corner that she occupied. Lord Elrond gave the room one last glance before he shook his head and walked out of his study grumbling about growing far too old and seeing things.
Narelle let out a long breath that she didn't know she was holding as she saw the last part of her father's dark robe disappear around the corner and out of the study. Narelle waited for the soft sound of her parent's door closing before she ventured out of the shadows. Sighing happily she trotted over to her father desk where an old map of Middle Earth sat. Narelle had noticed Lord Elrond studying it earlier and was pleased to see that she would not have to hunt for it as she was planning on doing.
Narelle cast one last glance over her shoulder before she began to study the old map. After one quick look she found Rivendell and trailed her finger over the soft material until it landed on Greenwood The Great, the land that would be called Mirkwood with the return of Sauron. Sighing she noticed that the journey would take days, especially for an elf who hardly ever left Imladris.
Narelle furled her brow and bit her lip in concentration as she tried to construct her route of travel. There were many ways that she could take, some longer then others and some safer then others. A slight smile touched her lips as the words High Pass caught her eyes. That was the route her mother always traveled when she would journey to the land of her mother. Oh how Narelle missed those days. Now Arwen always accompanied Lady Celebrian upon her journeys for Lord Elrond always found an excuse for Narelle to stay.
Smiling confidently Narelle placed her finger upon Rivendell and trailed it over the High Pass to Along the Old Forest Road until it reached Greenwood The Great. She had found the route that she would take.
Narelle looked over the map once more making sure not to miss any little detail of Middle Earth. Nodding her head in approval she carefully backed away from her father's desk and began to exit the room. The soft sound of footsteps hit her ears causing her to freeze in her spot. A shadow passed by the door and down the hall.
"Only one of the guards." She stated softly to herself. Regaining her confidence Narelle continued out of the room and down the hall towards her chamber.
The room was large, and open, with huge pillars holding up what roof there was. The chamber looked out over the falls of Rivendell, there cool mists often floated in. Many trees had winded themselves into the room, causing it to look to be part of the forest itself. Her bed was large and soft, with carvings of trees making up the intricate heading.
Narelle quickly walked over to her bed and threw back the soft covers revealing a tunic, trousers, boots and one of her longs knives. She had placed the clothes, along with a few soft pillows, there earlier for they made it look as if she was laying asleep in her bed. This ensured her safety if anyone entered her room for any reason. She unraveled herself form her sleeping gown and pulled on the tunic and trousers. Quickly pulling on her boots she grabbed her knife and looked around her room one last time. Biding Rivendell a quiet farewell she silently escaped out of the house and into the stables.
Isilme, or moonlight in the tongue of men, stood waiting patiently for her master. Narelle reached the stables quickly and glanced around, making sure to only stay in the shadows. She made her way over to a far corner and rummaged through a small pile of hay until she found what she was looking for. It was a small brown bag filled with food and other small things that she might need during her long journey. The bag had been placed under the hay earlier that day after she had finished tending to the horses. Small, sweet, cakes called lembas, accompanied a large canteen of water and a few fruits.
Pulling the bag over her shoulder she approached Isilme and gracefully leapt unto her back. The horse moved slightly, set off balance by the quick change in weight. Soon Narelle spoke soft words into the horse's ear motioning her on. Isilme moved silently through the night, her quiet footfalls not heard by any ear. They made it out of Rivendell by way of a hidden path, which hardly any knew of, for the path was not guarded giving Narelle an easy escape. The path was shown to her by her father himself; it was placed there if the need to escape ever arose. She soon found herself on the small road that would lead them to the High Pass and the Misty Mountains.
Once they were safely away from Rivendell, Isilme eased into a steady canter and headed away from their old home and hopefully towards their new one.
*^*^*^*^*^*^
The road got harder as Narelle closed in onto the Misty Mountains. Small stones scattered the road causing the footing to be slightly off. Large boulders could be seen occasionally along the path, many had come loose from the mountains' grasp.
Narelle stopped Isilme and took one last glance towards Rivendell; though she wanted to leave it greatly her heart still felt sorrow upon fleeing from it. For it was not Rivendell that she despised so, but her father, Lord Elrond. Yes, he was a kind and gentle man who would wish no harm upon anyone who did not place harm upon him or his kin, but he was strict and often harsh to the young maiden.
He kept her tucked away in the First Homely House, not allowing her to leave the area of Rivendell unless it was to travel to Lothlorien under the careful watch of guards such as Glorfindel or her brothers, Elladen and Elrohir. The Lord and Lady kept the child under close watch, not allowing her to ride far by herself or to explore without a guard or handmaiden by her side. This caused Narelle to fight for her freedom and to leave Rivendell, trying to escape the constant pampering.
So she ran off into the night only bringing what she would need upon her journey, for it would be long and difficult for one so young and inexperienced. Her heart felt only excitement as she turned Isilme and galloped off down the bumpy road and into the dark paths of the Misty Mountains.
*^*^*^*^*^*^
A small set of Goblins sat waiting patiently for their next victim. They were big, bushy looking creatures, with small black eyes and course brown hair. They feared nothing and no one especially not a she-elf whom had nearly no protection or idea of the horrors of the outside world.
The young maid had been traveling for nearly two days and had almost made it through the Misty Mountains. Much of her journey had been long and slow, fairly uneventful for what she had expected. She had stopped twice in her travels, giving her steed a small rest and water break during their travels. Isilme was a strong and fit horse, one that could go hours without rest if need be, but Narelle could easily feel the horse's exhaustion and would never push the animal too far.
Narelle had left the safe path and dove deep into the Mountains trying to stay out of the sight of the scouts that had been tracking her. She cantered slowly trying to keep her horse from falling through any of the hidden gaps, which lay throughout the Mountains. After much traveling this way she could nearly spot the grasslands on the other side. Hope filled her heart as she drew closer to the end of the hardest part of the journey, but her hope would soon fade.
Two goblins jumped easily from the ledge that hung over the path and landed directly in front of Isilme, causing the horse to stop abruptly nearly sending Narelle off balance. Narelle's eyes widened as she focused on the hideous beasts that lay before her. They were tall and smelled of death; their sickening sent easily making it's way into Narelle's nose.
The maiden tried her hardest to stand her ground and not run back to Rivendell, but fear ran through her veins causing the thought to wind itself into her mind. Swallowing loudly she slowly backed Isilme away from the beasts, keeping eye contact with one of them the entire time.
The goblins stared directly at the she-elf; usually they would have attacked by now, but something, some unknown power, had kept them from doing so. They watched carefully as she inched backwards, her eyes not leaving them once. She was afraid, they could easily see that, and would be an easy kill, but they couldn't, something wouldn't let them. The maiden's eyes spoke to them, easing them to give in and let her pass. The goblins stared deep into her eyes a moment longer before backing away into the shadows and out of sight.
Narelle breathed out deeply and stared into the now dark sky. Catching her breath she looked down the path, confusion covering her fair features. 'Why would they simply leave?' Sighing she looked at her surroundings and slowly eased Isilme further down the path. Narelle's ears only caught the sound of the retreating goblins, showing that now was her only chance for escape. Gathering her strength she spoke to her steed in a steady voice soon bringing her to an easy canter.
Soon Narelle broke away from the Misty Mountains and into the plains, which lay after it. Casting one last glance over her shoulder she noticed many figures in the dark night watching her with evil eyes as she galloped out of their grasp. Frightened once again, Narelle turned her gaze back to the dark path that lay before her and disappeared into the night.
*^*^*^*^*^*^
Two days had past since Narelle had made it through the Misty Mountains. She was riding steadily along the Old Forest Road, hoping to enter Greenwood the Great within the day. The night before she had rested peacefully along the River of Anduin, it's cool waters healing her pains from traveling and giving her comfort enough to rest.
The sun warmed Narelle's heart as she rode down the road, all fears had escaped her since she had left the Misty Mountains and entered the plains. During the night the stars filled the skies for endless miles, proving what true beauty was. Narelle smiled into the breeze, for once she felt completely free.
Hours past and with them went the endless miles. Narelle's sharp eyes could catch the far off look of a forest. It ran for miles in either direction, causing it to look to be nothing but the horizon, or what she believed could be huge sea of green. Narelle spoke into Isilme's ear encouraging the horse to quicken her pace towards the forest, Narelle hoped to reach it within the hour.
She quickly reached the great wood. The trees made a dense wall, the lonely road the only way through. Narelle eased Isilme to a quick walk as they entered the forest, excitement filling her heart. Soon she would find what would hopefully be her new home.
Plans and Escape - 497 years later May 16
Narelle sneaked slowly into her father's study, trying her hardest to not make a sound. The cool night wind blew her long hair lightly causing it to form a small cape of black behind her. Narelle stopped suddenly and peered into the dark study, her sensitive ears easily catching her father's quiet snores.
Lord Elrond sat sleeping in his chair as he often did. He would stay up well into the night studying and planning. Evil still roamed the land, causing the Lord to constantly keep his eyes open. He worked late into the nights devising new ways to protect his people if ever the occasion arouse. The long hours often caused him to fall into slumber while sitting in his chair, and this night was no exception.
Gaining her confidence once again Narelle continued her silent creeping into the study. She watched her father's open eyes for a moment trying to decide if she should try her luck and enter the room on the small notion that she would not be caught or if she should retire to her room and wait for a better time.
Narelle jumped back suddenly as a grunt escaped her father's lips. She stepped back into the shadows as she watched her father rub his eyes and stand. Lord Elrond scanned his study with weary eyes; his senses had caught a presence earlier that had awoken him.
Narelle watched as her father's eyes glanced around the room; she grimaced when his gaze landed on the dark corner that she occupied. Lord Elrond gave the room one last glance before he shook his head and walked out of his study grumbling about growing far too old and seeing things.
Narelle let out a long breath that she didn't know she was holding as she saw the last part of her father's dark robe disappear around the corner and out of the study. Narelle waited for the soft sound of her parent's door closing before she ventured out of the shadows. Sighing happily she trotted over to her father desk where an old map of Middle Earth sat. Narelle had noticed Lord Elrond studying it earlier and was pleased to see that she would not have to hunt for it as she was planning on doing.
Narelle cast one last glance over her shoulder before she began to study the old map. After one quick look she found Rivendell and trailed her finger over the soft material until it landed on Greenwood The Great, the land that would be called Mirkwood with the return of Sauron. Sighing she noticed that the journey would take days, especially for an elf who hardly ever left Imladris.
Narelle furled her brow and bit her lip in concentration as she tried to construct her route of travel. There were many ways that she could take, some longer then others and some safer then others. A slight smile touched her lips as the words High Pass caught her eyes. That was the route her mother always traveled when she would journey to the land of her mother. Oh how Narelle missed those days. Now Arwen always accompanied Lady Celebrian upon her journeys for Lord Elrond always found an excuse for Narelle to stay.
Smiling confidently Narelle placed her finger upon Rivendell and trailed it over the High Pass to Along the Old Forest Road until it reached Greenwood The Great. She had found the route that she would take.
Narelle looked over the map once more making sure not to miss any little detail of Middle Earth. Nodding her head in approval she carefully backed away from her father's desk and began to exit the room. The soft sound of footsteps hit her ears causing her to freeze in her spot. A shadow passed by the door and down the hall.
"Only one of the guards." She stated softly to herself. Regaining her confidence Narelle continued out of the room and down the hall towards her chamber.
The room was large, and open, with huge pillars holding up what roof there was. The chamber looked out over the falls of Rivendell, there cool mists often floated in. Many trees had winded themselves into the room, causing it to look to be part of the forest itself. Her bed was large and soft, with carvings of trees making up the intricate heading.
Narelle quickly walked over to her bed and threw back the soft covers revealing a tunic, trousers, boots and one of her longs knives. She had placed the clothes, along with a few soft pillows, there earlier for they made it look as if she was laying asleep in her bed. This ensured her safety if anyone entered her room for any reason. She unraveled herself form her sleeping gown and pulled on the tunic and trousers. Quickly pulling on her boots she grabbed her knife and looked around her room one last time. Biding Rivendell a quiet farewell she silently escaped out of the house and into the stables.
Isilme, or moonlight in the tongue of men, stood waiting patiently for her master. Narelle reached the stables quickly and glanced around, making sure to only stay in the shadows. She made her way over to a far corner and rummaged through a small pile of hay until she found what she was looking for. It was a small brown bag filled with food and other small things that she might need during her long journey. The bag had been placed under the hay earlier that day after she had finished tending to the horses. Small, sweet, cakes called lembas, accompanied a large canteen of water and a few fruits.
Pulling the bag over her shoulder she approached Isilme and gracefully leapt unto her back. The horse moved slightly, set off balance by the quick change in weight. Soon Narelle spoke soft words into the horse's ear motioning her on. Isilme moved silently through the night, her quiet footfalls not heard by any ear. They made it out of Rivendell by way of a hidden path, which hardly any knew of, for the path was not guarded giving Narelle an easy escape. The path was shown to her by her father himself; it was placed there if the need to escape ever arose. She soon found herself on the small road that would lead them to the High Pass and the Misty Mountains.
Once they were safely away from Rivendell, Isilme eased into a steady canter and headed away from their old home and hopefully towards their new one.
*^*^*^*^*^*^
The road got harder as Narelle closed in onto the Misty Mountains. Small stones scattered the road causing the footing to be slightly off. Large boulders could be seen occasionally along the path, many had come loose from the mountains' grasp.
Narelle stopped Isilme and took one last glance towards Rivendell; though she wanted to leave it greatly her heart still felt sorrow upon fleeing from it. For it was not Rivendell that she despised so, but her father, Lord Elrond. Yes, he was a kind and gentle man who would wish no harm upon anyone who did not place harm upon him or his kin, but he was strict and often harsh to the young maiden.
He kept her tucked away in the First Homely House, not allowing her to leave the area of Rivendell unless it was to travel to Lothlorien under the careful watch of guards such as Glorfindel or her brothers, Elladen and Elrohir. The Lord and Lady kept the child under close watch, not allowing her to ride far by herself or to explore without a guard or handmaiden by her side. This caused Narelle to fight for her freedom and to leave Rivendell, trying to escape the constant pampering.
So she ran off into the night only bringing what she would need upon her journey, for it would be long and difficult for one so young and inexperienced. Her heart felt only excitement as she turned Isilme and galloped off down the bumpy road and into the dark paths of the Misty Mountains.
*^*^*^*^*^*^
A small set of Goblins sat waiting patiently for their next victim. They were big, bushy looking creatures, with small black eyes and course brown hair. They feared nothing and no one especially not a she-elf whom had nearly no protection or idea of the horrors of the outside world.
The young maid had been traveling for nearly two days and had almost made it through the Misty Mountains. Much of her journey had been long and slow, fairly uneventful for what she had expected. She had stopped twice in her travels, giving her steed a small rest and water break during their travels. Isilme was a strong and fit horse, one that could go hours without rest if need be, but Narelle could easily feel the horse's exhaustion and would never push the animal too far.
Narelle had left the safe path and dove deep into the Mountains trying to stay out of the sight of the scouts that had been tracking her. She cantered slowly trying to keep her horse from falling through any of the hidden gaps, which lay throughout the Mountains. After much traveling this way she could nearly spot the grasslands on the other side. Hope filled her heart as she drew closer to the end of the hardest part of the journey, but her hope would soon fade.
Two goblins jumped easily from the ledge that hung over the path and landed directly in front of Isilme, causing the horse to stop abruptly nearly sending Narelle off balance. Narelle's eyes widened as she focused on the hideous beasts that lay before her. They were tall and smelled of death; their sickening sent easily making it's way into Narelle's nose.
The maiden tried her hardest to stand her ground and not run back to Rivendell, but fear ran through her veins causing the thought to wind itself into her mind. Swallowing loudly she slowly backed Isilme away from the beasts, keeping eye contact with one of them the entire time.
The goblins stared directly at the she-elf; usually they would have attacked by now, but something, some unknown power, had kept them from doing so. They watched carefully as she inched backwards, her eyes not leaving them once. She was afraid, they could easily see that, and would be an easy kill, but they couldn't, something wouldn't let them. The maiden's eyes spoke to them, easing them to give in and let her pass. The goblins stared deep into her eyes a moment longer before backing away into the shadows and out of sight.
Narelle breathed out deeply and stared into the now dark sky. Catching her breath she looked down the path, confusion covering her fair features. 'Why would they simply leave?' Sighing she looked at her surroundings and slowly eased Isilme further down the path. Narelle's ears only caught the sound of the retreating goblins, showing that now was her only chance for escape. Gathering her strength she spoke to her steed in a steady voice soon bringing her to an easy canter.
Soon Narelle broke away from the Misty Mountains and into the plains, which lay after it. Casting one last glance over her shoulder she noticed many figures in the dark night watching her with evil eyes as she galloped out of their grasp. Frightened once again, Narelle turned her gaze back to the dark path that lay before her and disappeared into the night.
*^*^*^*^*^*^
Two days had past since Narelle had made it through the Misty Mountains. She was riding steadily along the Old Forest Road, hoping to enter Greenwood the Great within the day. The night before she had rested peacefully along the River of Anduin, it's cool waters healing her pains from traveling and giving her comfort enough to rest.
The sun warmed Narelle's heart as she rode down the road, all fears had escaped her since she had left the Misty Mountains and entered the plains. During the night the stars filled the skies for endless miles, proving what true beauty was. Narelle smiled into the breeze, for once she felt completely free.
Hours past and with them went the endless miles. Narelle's sharp eyes could catch the far off look of a forest. It ran for miles in either direction, causing it to look to be nothing but the horizon, or what she believed could be huge sea of green. Narelle spoke into Isilme's ear encouraging the horse to quicken her pace towards the forest, Narelle hoped to reach it within the hour.
She quickly reached the great wood. The trees made a dense wall, the lonely road the only way through. Narelle eased Isilme to a quick walk as they entered the forest, excitement filling her heart. Soon she would find what would hopefully be her new home.