Chapter 2 - Without Regret
Lord-of-Salt: Thanks for your review! I see how you would want me to stick to the LotR storyline and all, but I think that's what makes my story unique. And. . .if it helps at all, Elrond is here! YAY! Lol
Butterfly: Yay! A familiar face! I'm glad you like this story, too. :-P
Disclaimer: I don't own LotR. Never have, never will.
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Raedolia finished pulling weeds from the front garden with a sigh. She set her basket of weeds aside and lay in the grass, eyes closed, soaking in the sun. She was odd in the way where she spent all day in the sun, yet still found comfort in basking in it. Her right hand went to her neck after a moment, idly fiddling with the silver chain that hung about it. She smiled slightly to herself.
It had been four years since he had last been to the Shire. Normally, he would have continued on his way, riding back to Rivendell, but an old promise drew him back to this place. So now he walked on the dirt path leading to Tuckborough, his mare trotting placidily beside him.
As the young hobbit-lass lay in the sun, a shadow passed over her. She opened one eye and groaned as she saw her younger brother, Riadoc, staring down at her. "What do you want?"
The male Hobbit grinned. "What are you doing?"
"I'm waiting."
"He's not gonna come back, y'know."
"Shouldn't you be somewhere?"
"No."
"Well you might want to be somewhere, or I might have to hurt you." Riadoc rolled his eyes, but ran off anyway.
Keen Elven eyes saw a familiar Hobbit laying in the sun, and another run off. 'Nendel smiled. So she had waited for him. He clucked to Ivorymane, allowing the mare to canter over to the golden-haired Hobbit and blow into her face, her master coming up beside her. "I take it that was your brother?"
Rae opened her eyes at the sound of the voice and the mare's breath. She sat up, stroking Ivorymane's head, eyes turning to 'Nendel. "Yes, it was, unfortunately." She grinned slightly. "You kept your promise."
He chuckled and rose a dark brow. "You thought I would not? I am surprised at you, Rae. I never make light of my promises."
"I know. I suppose I just. . ." She faltered, looking away for a moment. Then she shook her head and returned her gaze to him. "How have you been?"
He looked questioningly at her a moment, then smiled slightly. "I have been well. Though glad to see a friendly face in my travels. How have you been since I last saw you?"
She shrugged, standing. "Well enough, I suppose. I was actually hoping to see you soon. I wanted to ask you...shall you be returning to Rivendell?"
He nodded. "Yes, I will. Once I leave the Shire I will be heading towards Rivendell." He cocked his head to the side. "Why do you ask?"
She turned away slightly, fiddling again with the chain around her neck. "I was wondering...perhaps...I could go with you?"
He was a little surprised at that question, he had to admit. Then, he smiled and nodded. "Of course you can."
Her eyes brightened as she turned her head back to him. "Really? I can go?"
He chuckled and nodded again. "Yes, you can. Though. . ." His smile faded now. "What of your parents?"
Rae sighed, shrugging. "My parents...they will barely even notice that I've gone." She was silent for a moment, thinking. "Perhaps...we should be off? Unless you would like to wait, then we can."
Anendel glanced to Ivorymane, as if seeking an answer, the mare simply snorting and tossing her head. With a small smile, 'Nendel turned back to Rae. "Very well, wee one.. we can leave now, if you wish it."
Rae nodded. "I do...give me a moment." With that, she disappeared into the large Hobbit Hole. After a few moments, she returned quietly, a small pack on her back and a jacket. "All right...I think we should go."
He nodded, viridian eyes flickering once to the Hobbit hole, then to Ivorymane. He spoke quietly in the Grey Tongue to her, the delicate ears rotating to catch his words, before she bent her forelegs, knealing, for Rae to mount. Rae stood a moment, looking around quickly, then mounted, her eyes averted. Her hands went to her neck, fiddling with the chain, as she tended to do a lot lately. It brought her comfort, and now she supposed that she did need a bit of that. He watched her a moment as Ivorymane straightened, before, shaking his head, the Elf mounted behind her, situating one arm lightly around Rae to make sure she would not fall off, the other grasping the reins.
A final silent sigh escaped her lips as Anendel mounted. She did not even glance at her home as they began to move, so of course she did not notice a pair of brownish-gold eyes watching them as they rode away. Nor did Anendel, for his eyes were fixed on the rode between Ivorymane's ears, wrapped in thoughtful silence. He was puzzled why Rae wanted to leave so quickly, and why she had not at least bid her family goodbye. But Anendel would not ask such questions, though he would listen if she chose to tell him willingly.
Rae did not look back until Tuckborough was long out of view. She felt relieved, yet deep down, she knew she was very sad. "I do not suppose I shall ever see it again. . ."
'Nendel glanced down at her curiously. "Why?"
"I do not plan on returning. . ." she replied quietly. "And. . .I have heard that the Road is long and dangerous."
"It is, at times, dangerous," Anendel admitted. "But I will not let anything happen to you. Rae. . .I will not force you to return home, but if I still had parents who loved me - "
Rae scoffed. "My parents? Sometimes I wonder if they do love me. . .they have been trying to marry me off of late, and when I protest, it only gets me into deeper trouble. I just want to be free to do what I wish to do, like my brother will be able to when he is old enough."
"Is that why you left so suddenly?" he inquired. She was silent for a moment. It was strange to her. . .he was strange to her. It was almost as if he knew what she was thinking, but the idea was impossible. Then again, she had heard that Elves were very magical creatures. . .
"I am looking forward to seeing Rivendell," she said suddenly, changing the subject. "It must be a wonderful place. What is it like?"
"No matter how many times I have been there, it is still beautiful to me," Anendel told her. "Lord Elrond founded it after the fall of Gil-Galad. It is in a valley, between the Bruinen Mountains. It is hard to describe. . .words could never express the beauty of it."
"You are lucky."
He smiled slightly. "Maybe I am. I have been told by many that my life is one truly blessed. . ."
"And your life will go on forever. Immortality is a great blessing I think."
"Death is no bad thing," Anendel said.
Rae shrugged. "The thought of death somewhat frightens me. To cease to be. . .it is intriguing. I know that I have a long while yet to live, but one can never see what will happen next. A number of things can cause death. . ."
'Nendel nodded. "Even Elves cannot see all ends, Rae. We can die in battle, or even of something as simple as a broken heart."
Rae smiled slightly at that, but did not speak. Both were silent for a long while as they traveled along the Road. Before long, the sun sank slowly behind the edge of the horizon, layering the land in a velvet black. Anendel slowed Ivorymane to a stop and dismounted, helping Rae down. After he had removed the mare's briddle, he turned to Rae, who was now sitting on the ground, her arms wrapped around her knees as she watched him.
"You should rest," he told her. "I will keep watch." He shrugged off his cloak and handed it to her. She hesitated, then took it.
"Thank you," she said. "Will you not rest as well?"
"I'm used to not resting," he returned. "I'm fine."
She nodded slowly and lay down, covering herself in the dark cloak. It smelled the same as he did: like the woods and the rain. She slipped in and out of sleep most of the night, eventually giving up and simply laying in the dark, thinking.
The Elf was sitting a few feet away from her. His eyes stared unmovingly into the distance, filled with an inextinguishable grief. The moonlight cascaded down upon him, painting his dark hair and illuminated high, strong cheekbones. A scar in the shape of a vermillion flower that was only visible in moonlight now appeared. A necklace hung around his throat, made of the same mithril chain that Rae wore, glowing faintly in the dark. One fiery emerald was set into a white-gold ring on the end of the chain.
Piper stirred, become restless with the quiet and the dark. She rolled onto her back, staring up at the stars, and, though she could not see him, she knew that Anendel was close. Finally, she spoke: "How many hours until sunrise?"
"A little more than three hours," he replied. She picked up on something tinting his gentle voice, something he was trying to hide.
"Anendel? Are you all right?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
She sat up, looking at the ground. "I don't know. . ."
"I'm fine, Rae. I was just. . . .thinking."
"Of what?" There was silence. "You can tell me anything you want, 'Nendel. I will understand."
He sighed. "I just. . .miss her. Leara. . .my wife."
Rae was quiet a moment. "You must have really loved her."
"Aye, I did love her. I would have given my life for her. . .it is hard to let go of the guilt. I could have saved her. . ." He sighed again. "She was the only one who ever loved me."
Rae gazed at him silently. Anendel stood, dropping the chain and ring back under his shirt. Ivorymane trotted over to him, nuzzling his neck. "Ivorymane is getting restless," he said.
"Should we be off soon?"
"Perhaps." He glanced behind them briefly, Ivorymane nudging his shoulder and snorting. Rae stood, walking over to the Elf and handing him his cloak. He refastened it about his shoulders. Ivorymane nudged him again. He studied the horse for a moment, speaking softly to her in Elvish. Then, he turned his attentions to Rae. "Maybe we should leave. . ."
Rae looked at him curiously. "Is something the matter?"
"No. It is Ivorymane. I think she fears. . .something."
Rae inadvertently gasped sharply. "Fears something? Like what?"
"You need not worry yourself, Rae. It's most likely nothing." He glanced behind them again. "But we should get going."
Ivorymane lowered herself so that Rae could mount. Anendel mounted behind the hobbit when Ivorymane straightened again. His arm was again about her waist, but a little tighter this time, as Ivorymane set off at a canter down the Road.
"Do you think we were in danger?" Rae asked.
Anendel hesitated. "I. . .don't know." He glanced briefly behind them once more as Ivorymane slowed her pace to hurry up a hill. At the top stood the ruins of an old sort of castle-type building.
A sound broke through the silence. Anendel halted Ivorymane, looking out over the land behind them. He dismounted. "Ivorymane will take you to the ruins," he said to Rae, still surveying the landscape. "Stay there."
"Where are you going?" Rae said nervously.
"These are sight-hounds. I know what they are and how to fight them."
"I don't understand. What do they want?"
He looked up at her gravely. "Elven blood. And no doubt someone with them wants me." Before Rae could protest, Ivorymane whisked her into the ruins. She immediately jumped down from the mare and ran to the opening in the stones, watching Anendel as he stood, watching something as it breached the hill. The large ugly dogs came at Anendel from the front, snapping and growling viciously. A curved, wicked sword was in his left hand. One of the hounds ran at the Elf, swiping angrily and slicing his stomach. But Anendel managed to fight it off and kill it.
Rae watched in horror, looking around her feet. She saw stones laying about the floor, and she instinctively picked one up. She turned her eyes to the hounds again, taking aim and throwing the stone as hard as she could. It struck one of the sight-hounds in the side, causing it to lose its footing, giving Anendel enough time to ends its life.
The young hobbit retrieved another stone, and Anendel killed the next hound she hit. The four remaining sight-hounds backed off. A tall figure, the same height as Anendel, appeared at the side of the castle ruins. He approached Anendel silently, a smirk across his face.
"I see someone has taught you the ways of the sword, my friend," the figure said.
Anendel spun around the face the figure, his grip tightening on the sword before he slammed the figure into the outer wall of the ruins. "How can you call yourself my friend?!" he spat angrily.
"We were friends once, Anendel."
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A/N: Told you it's more exciting than the prologue. Please review!
Lord-of-Salt: Thanks for your review! I see how you would want me to stick to the LotR storyline and all, but I think that's what makes my story unique. And. . .if it helps at all, Elrond is here! YAY! Lol
Butterfly: Yay! A familiar face! I'm glad you like this story, too. :-P
Disclaimer: I don't own LotR. Never have, never will.
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Raedolia finished pulling weeds from the front garden with a sigh. She set her basket of weeds aside and lay in the grass, eyes closed, soaking in the sun. She was odd in the way where she spent all day in the sun, yet still found comfort in basking in it. Her right hand went to her neck after a moment, idly fiddling with the silver chain that hung about it. She smiled slightly to herself.
It had been four years since he had last been to the Shire. Normally, he would have continued on his way, riding back to Rivendell, but an old promise drew him back to this place. So now he walked on the dirt path leading to Tuckborough, his mare trotting placidily beside him.
As the young hobbit-lass lay in the sun, a shadow passed over her. She opened one eye and groaned as she saw her younger brother, Riadoc, staring down at her. "What do you want?"
The male Hobbit grinned. "What are you doing?"
"I'm waiting."
"He's not gonna come back, y'know."
"Shouldn't you be somewhere?"
"No."
"Well you might want to be somewhere, or I might have to hurt you." Riadoc rolled his eyes, but ran off anyway.
Keen Elven eyes saw a familiar Hobbit laying in the sun, and another run off. 'Nendel smiled. So she had waited for him. He clucked to Ivorymane, allowing the mare to canter over to the golden-haired Hobbit and blow into her face, her master coming up beside her. "I take it that was your brother?"
Rae opened her eyes at the sound of the voice and the mare's breath. She sat up, stroking Ivorymane's head, eyes turning to 'Nendel. "Yes, it was, unfortunately." She grinned slightly. "You kept your promise."
He chuckled and rose a dark brow. "You thought I would not? I am surprised at you, Rae. I never make light of my promises."
"I know. I suppose I just. . ." She faltered, looking away for a moment. Then she shook her head and returned her gaze to him. "How have you been?"
He looked questioningly at her a moment, then smiled slightly. "I have been well. Though glad to see a friendly face in my travels. How have you been since I last saw you?"
She shrugged, standing. "Well enough, I suppose. I was actually hoping to see you soon. I wanted to ask you...shall you be returning to Rivendell?"
He nodded. "Yes, I will. Once I leave the Shire I will be heading towards Rivendell." He cocked his head to the side. "Why do you ask?"
She turned away slightly, fiddling again with the chain around her neck. "I was wondering...perhaps...I could go with you?"
He was a little surprised at that question, he had to admit. Then, he smiled and nodded. "Of course you can."
Her eyes brightened as she turned her head back to him. "Really? I can go?"
He chuckled and nodded again. "Yes, you can. Though. . ." His smile faded now. "What of your parents?"
Rae sighed, shrugging. "My parents...they will barely even notice that I've gone." She was silent for a moment, thinking. "Perhaps...we should be off? Unless you would like to wait, then we can."
Anendel glanced to Ivorymane, as if seeking an answer, the mare simply snorting and tossing her head. With a small smile, 'Nendel turned back to Rae. "Very well, wee one.. we can leave now, if you wish it."
Rae nodded. "I do...give me a moment." With that, she disappeared into the large Hobbit Hole. After a few moments, she returned quietly, a small pack on her back and a jacket. "All right...I think we should go."
He nodded, viridian eyes flickering once to the Hobbit hole, then to Ivorymane. He spoke quietly in the Grey Tongue to her, the delicate ears rotating to catch his words, before she bent her forelegs, knealing, for Rae to mount. Rae stood a moment, looking around quickly, then mounted, her eyes averted. Her hands went to her neck, fiddling with the chain, as she tended to do a lot lately. It brought her comfort, and now she supposed that she did need a bit of that. He watched her a moment as Ivorymane straightened, before, shaking his head, the Elf mounted behind her, situating one arm lightly around Rae to make sure she would not fall off, the other grasping the reins.
A final silent sigh escaped her lips as Anendel mounted. She did not even glance at her home as they began to move, so of course she did not notice a pair of brownish-gold eyes watching them as they rode away. Nor did Anendel, for his eyes were fixed on the rode between Ivorymane's ears, wrapped in thoughtful silence. He was puzzled why Rae wanted to leave so quickly, and why she had not at least bid her family goodbye. But Anendel would not ask such questions, though he would listen if she chose to tell him willingly.
Rae did not look back until Tuckborough was long out of view. She felt relieved, yet deep down, she knew she was very sad. "I do not suppose I shall ever see it again. . ."
'Nendel glanced down at her curiously. "Why?"
"I do not plan on returning. . ." she replied quietly. "And. . .I have heard that the Road is long and dangerous."
"It is, at times, dangerous," Anendel admitted. "But I will not let anything happen to you. Rae. . .I will not force you to return home, but if I still had parents who loved me - "
Rae scoffed. "My parents? Sometimes I wonder if they do love me. . .they have been trying to marry me off of late, and when I protest, it only gets me into deeper trouble. I just want to be free to do what I wish to do, like my brother will be able to when he is old enough."
"Is that why you left so suddenly?" he inquired. She was silent for a moment. It was strange to her. . .he was strange to her. It was almost as if he knew what she was thinking, but the idea was impossible. Then again, she had heard that Elves were very magical creatures. . .
"I am looking forward to seeing Rivendell," she said suddenly, changing the subject. "It must be a wonderful place. What is it like?"
"No matter how many times I have been there, it is still beautiful to me," Anendel told her. "Lord Elrond founded it after the fall of Gil-Galad. It is in a valley, between the Bruinen Mountains. It is hard to describe. . .words could never express the beauty of it."
"You are lucky."
He smiled slightly. "Maybe I am. I have been told by many that my life is one truly blessed. . ."
"And your life will go on forever. Immortality is a great blessing I think."
"Death is no bad thing," Anendel said.
Rae shrugged. "The thought of death somewhat frightens me. To cease to be. . .it is intriguing. I know that I have a long while yet to live, but one can never see what will happen next. A number of things can cause death. . ."
'Nendel nodded. "Even Elves cannot see all ends, Rae. We can die in battle, or even of something as simple as a broken heart."
Rae smiled slightly at that, but did not speak. Both were silent for a long while as they traveled along the Road. Before long, the sun sank slowly behind the edge of the horizon, layering the land in a velvet black. Anendel slowed Ivorymane to a stop and dismounted, helping Rae down. After he had removed the mare's briddle, he turned to Rae, who was now sitting on the ground, her arms wrapped around her knees as she watched him.
"You should rest," he told her. "I will keep watch." He shrugged off his cloak and handed it to her. She hesitated, then took it.
"Thank you," she said. "Will you not rest as well?"
"I'm used to not resting," he returned. "I'm fine."
She nodded slowly and lay down, covering herself in the dark cloak. It smelled the same as he did: like the woods and the rain. She slipped in and out of sleep most of the night, eventually giving up and simply laying in the dark, thinking.
The Elf was sitting a few feet away from her. His eyes stared unmovingly into the distance, filled with an inextinguishable grief. The moonlight cascaded down upon him, painting his dark hair and illuminated high, strong cheekbones. A scar in the shape of a vermillion flower that was only visible in moonlight now appeared. A necklace hung around his throat, made of the same mithril chain that Rae wore, glowing faintly in the dark. One fiery emerald was set into a white-gold ring on the end of the chain.
Piper stirred, become restless with the quiet and the dark. She rolled onto her back, staring up at the stars, and, though she could not see him, she knew that Anendel was close. Finally, she spoke: "How many hours until sunrise?"
"A little more than three hours," he replied. She picked up on something tinting his gentle voice, something he was trying to hide.
"Anendel? Are you all right?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
She sat up, looking at the ground. "I don't know. . ."
"I'm fine, Rae. I was just. . . .thinking."
"Of what?" There was silence. "You can tell me anything you want, 'Nendel. I will understand."
He sighed. "I just. . .miss her. Leara. . .my wife."
Rae was quiet a moment. "You must have really loved her."
"Aye, I did love her. I would have given my life for her. . .it is hard to let go of the guilt. I could have saved her. . ." He sighed again. "She was the only one who ever loved me."
Rae gazed at him silently. Anendel stood, dropping the chain and ring back under his shirt. Ivorymane trotted over to him, nuzzling his neck. "Ivorymane is getting restless," he said.
"Should we be off soon?"
"Perhaps." He glanced behind them briefly, Ivorymane nudging his shoulder and snorting. Rae stood, walking over to the Elf and handing him his cloak. He refastened it about his shoulders. Ivorymane nudged him again. He studied the horse for a moment, speaking softly to her in Elvish. Then, he turned his attentions to Rae. "Maybe we should leave. . ."
Rae looked at him curiously. "Is something the matter?"
"No. It is Ivorymane. I think she fears. . .something."
Rae inadvertently gasped sharply. "Fears something? Like what?"
"You need not worry yourself, Rae. It's most likely nothing." He glanced behind them again. "But we should get going."
Ivorymane lowered herself so that Rae could mount. Anendel mounted behind the hobbit when Ivorymane straightened again. His arm was again about her waist, but a little tighter this time, as Ivorymane set off at a canter down the Road.
"Do you think we were in danger?" Rae asked.
Anendel hesitated. "I. . .don't know." He glanced briefly behind them once more as Ivorymane slowed her pace to hurry up a hill. At the top stood the ruins of an old sort of castle-type building.
A sound broke through the silence. Anendel halted Ivorymane, looking out over the land behind them. He dismounted. "Ivorymane will take you to the ruins," he said to Rae, still surveying the landscape. "Stay there."
"Where are you going?" Rae said nervously.
"These are sight-hounds. I know what they are and how to fight them."
"I don't understand. What do they want?"
He looked up at her gravely. "Elven blood. And no doubt someone with them wants me." Before Rae could protest, Ivorymane whisked her into the ruins. She immediately jumped down from the mare and ran to the opening in the stones, watching Anendel as he stood, watching something as it breached the hill. The large ugly dogs came at Anendel from the front, snapping and growling viciously. A curved, wicked sword was in his left hand. One of the hounds ran at the Elf, swiping angrily and slicing his stomach. But Anendel managed to fight it off and kill it.
Rae watched in horror, looking around her feet. She saw stones laying about the floor, and she instinctively picked one up. She turned her eyes to the hounds again, taking aim and throwing the stone as hard as she could. It struck one of the sight-hounds in the side, causing it to lose its footing, giving Anendel enough time to ends its life.
The young hobbit retrieved another stone, and Anendel killed the next hound she hit. The four remaining sight-hounds backed off. A tall figure, the same height as Anendel, appeared at the side of the castle ruins. He approached Anendel silently, a smirk across his face.
"I see someone has taught you the ways of the sword, my friend," the figure said.
Anendel spun around the face the figure, his grip tightening on the sword before he slammed the figure into the outer wall of the ruins. "How can you call yourself my friend?!" he spat angrily.
"We were friends once, Anendel."
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A/N: Told you it's more exciting than the prologue. Please review!