Author's Note: Sorry it's been so long. My laziness is only surpassed by my love of writing. I have written up to chapter 11 and am just too lazy to post that often. Ugh.
Disclaimer: Any characters, places, etc. that seem in anyway attatched to Tolkien's great works are Tolkein's. But Vitralth is mine, as is Tinfea.
Chapter 4
Vitralth sat in the library, glancing discreetly at Tinfea sitting across from him. On rainy days, their favorite pastime was reading, often through histories. The library was a very comforting place, filled with shelves of books and large chairs. A felling of age settled around all who entered, and it comforted him. He remembered the day almost 200 years ago when she had forgiven him. His emotions for her had changed since then; he knew that he loved her. But every time he was going to tell her, he decided against it. What if she didn't feel the same for him? It would be unbearable if their friendship was ruined because of it. So, he kept his feelings to himself. Suddenly, his moment of thought was interrupted when a messenger burst into the room.
"Sir, you are needed at the Council Room pronto!" he exclaimed. Vitralth looked up curiously but ran to the Room, singling for Tinfea to meet him later.
"Ahh…glad you could make it Vitralth," the King said as he entered the large room. It contained an oversized wooden table and extremely uncomfortable wooden chairs. Sitting around the King were others of the Royal Family and those friends who were trusted. "Elrohir, who has taken up his father's place since his departure to the Gray Havens, and Elladan, who took the place of Galadriel in Lothlorien, have come with horrible news. It seems as if a new terror has entered the land. These demons are shadows, known by the fear that enters the hearts of those near. The elves had sensed them on the borders of their land and fought them. Hard to see though they are, it seems as if they die easily. But according to one warrior, who died soon after his struggle, there are stronger ones. These ones do not die with a slice of a sword. In fact, the only way he made it back was because a sharp-edged leaf from esiltrith sliced the demon and he fell. We do not know who commands them, but it will be a long hard battle. I want everyone to digest this news and meet back here tomorrow after lunch."
Vitralth left the room in a daze. He could not believe what was happening. All the moments of peace turned to this. He shook his head and went to the clearing.
Tinfea sat lightly on top of a tree in the clearing, thinking of the past 200 years. She wore the necklace given to her by Vitralth everyday, yet never cared to wonder what it meant. She sighed and looked up at her horse, who stood with pricked ears to the trail. Tinfea leaped up eagerly, knowing who was coming. When she saw the look on Vitralth's face though, her smile faded.
"What has happened?" she asked quickly.
"It seems as if a new evil has entered this realm." Vitralth slid off Fiamma, his flaming horse, and sat on the grass. Tinfea fell besides him, her thoughts clouded with the news. Vitralth looked at her sadly and relayed the meeting. Tinfea's eyes opened wider with each word. Then she remembered what the stars had told her over 200 years ago.
"Did the star-gazers see nothing?" she asked.
"According to their leader, the stars said nothing. But he did say that the gazer on one night over 200 years ago died right when he was to say what he saw."
Tinfea gasped. "One night, the night before our fight, I read what the stars said. They spoke of a new evil and of only one with the power of nature that could defeat their boss."
Vitralth glanced at her oddly. "I will tell of this tomorrow. The one with this power must be found." Tinfea nodded, her eyes wide with the thought of the new evil. Vitralth put his arm around her and she snuggled against him, finding warmth in his body. The light of her necklace grew brighter, surrounding them with a faint blue glow. When she realized what she was doing, Tinfea jumped up quickly. Vitralth looked at her curiously and slowly got to his feet. The grass was wet with the morning rain, which caused Tinfea to slip. She fell into Vitralth, who stood steady until she recovered her balance.
"Thanks," Tinfea murmured. She walked over to the archery course and got her bow and arrows. "Let's practice our shooting skills."
Vitralth sat up that night, wondering about Tinfea. She had started to act odd around him. The way she moved away when he put an arm around her and her reaction when he caught her. He also wondered about the light of the necklace. What did it respond to that caused it to glow? Then he remembered what she said the stars said. The one with the power of nature he thought. While thinking this, his thoughts immediately went to Tinfea. If anyone had the power of nature, it must be her. He frowned and fell into a troubled sleep.
Tinfea also sat up that night. She thought about that night long ago when she read the stars. The new evil that was here must connect somehow. Her eyelids grew heavy and finally she fell asleep.
In the morning, Tinfea remembered her dream. It had somehow said that the one with powers can be known. This one can read the language of nature and the story on the back of the Vegolphon bird. She thought of this for a while then jumped up.
"Vitralth must know. He can tell the Council." She dressed quickly and ran to the castle.
Vitralth was sitting in his room, eating a light breakfast. He jumped up, startled, when Tinfea threw open the door.
"Hello, what causes you to be in such a rush?"
"I had this dream that the one with the powers can be known if they can read the writing on the back of the Vegolphon bird," she blurted.
"Of course, the language of nature," Vitralth thought out loud. Tinfea nodded. "I will tell the Council later this afternoon. Meanwhile, would you like to have breakfast with me?" Vitralth motioned to a chair.
"Sure," Tinfea sat down. Vitralth called down a hole to the kitchens to bring up another breakfast. Then he turned to Tinfea with a smile.
"You rushed all the way here just to tell me this?" he asked.
"I didn't know when the Council started and I wanted to get here in time," she explained. Vitralth nodded. The breakfast arrived and they ate in silence, each to their own thoughts. Once they were done, Vitralth asked for the dishes to be taken away. He stared at Tinfea, wondering if he should tell her of his feelings. Tinfea looked up and saw Vitralth's eyes on her. She averted her eyes, puzzled by his look. He sighed loudly and Tinfea glanced at him curiously. For Vitralth, the silence was too much.
"Why don't we go to the library and research on the Vegolphon bird and the writing on its back?"
Tinfea jumped up eagerly, disturbed by the silence herself. "Of course, that's a great idea!" They walked quickly to the library. Each went to a separate part, taking out the books that seemed to contain the wanted information.
In the center reading area, there were stacks of books. Vitralth skimmed through; stopping often at mentions of the Vegolphon bird, though most of the time it was just a reference. After going through many books, he finally found one with the correct information, an old leather-bound book that was falling apart, "Uncommon, Spiritual Encounters."
The Vegolphon bird is the rarest, most beautiful bird in all of Middle Earth. Seen only between the times of night and day, this bird has many legends about it. It is said that the red lines over its back and wings hold a story or mystery. Only those with the power of nature can read this odd writing. The power of nature does not come up often and can be found in all the races of Middle Earth. The recorded holders of the power of nature are mainly elves, though there have been Men and Halflings. This power does not descend from family members or any special thing. It comes in those connected with nature, those chosen by Mother Earth to hold this power.
The mysteries written on the back of this bird are not particular. In fact, one with the power of nature comes only in times of need. The writing on the bird helps with the mystery surrounding the evil power that wants to destroy this earth. During the beginning of the time of need, a Vegolphon bird will meet with the one with the power of nature, and they will know their quest.
Though this is a rare gift, it is extremely powerful and cannot be used for small matters. The one with the power of nature should be instructed for at least a month by one with similar magic or actually had the power of nature. If the one holding this power does not get instructed on its use, there can be
Vitralth showed this passage to Tinfea.
After reading the words, she looked up excitedly, yet was still worried. "I'm sure this information will help a lot, Tralth, but what about the last part that is cut off. I mean, it could be very important, a life or death situation, dire…"
Quickly putting his hand over her mouth, Vitralth grinned. "You worry too much. Let us concentrate on what we have that can help and not the dire consequences of what we don't know."
"But…" she started to say until a messenger interrupted. Just in time, Vitralth thought, knowing the meaning of his visit.
"Council Room quickly, my lord." Vitralth stood, taking the book with him.
"If you find anything else, could you please bring it to the Council Room?" he asked. Tinfea nodded and turned back to her reading.
At the room, the same people as the day before sat around the table. Each looked grim, their thoughts the same. Vitralth waited for the King to let the suggestions come. When they did, Vitralth offered his.
"My friend, Tinfea, read the stars nigh over 200 years ago. Yesterday, after I relayed the news of our council, she remembered what they said. They talked about "the power of nature" and of the one who would overthrow the source of this evil. Then we looked at books in the library related to the Vegolphon bird because of her dream that said this bird would choose the one with the power. I found this book and it gives some information." He showed the book to everyone there. They read the passage out loud, each looking a bit skeptical.
"Since we have no other hope, if one is able to see and read the Vegolphon bird, then he or she will be brought to say what they have seen. Send messages out to the different races about this bird. Meanwhile, we will discuss other plans of action," the King said. Vitralth nodded, understanding their judgment, and listened intensely.
Tinfea sat in the room, looking through many books. None had any more information than the one Vitralth found. Sighing, Tinfea gave up and read "Mythological Mirkwood." This was one of her favorite books, consisting of many short stories about the legends of Mirkwood. She got deeply into the book, forgetting where she was and what was around her.
"Tinfea," Vitralth came up. She was startled back to attention.
"Back from the meeting?"
"Yes, it didn't go well. The King said that if one meets the Vegolphon bird, he or she will be brought here. But otherwise we have no other plan, except to guard our borders and be on the alert. To be honest, they really didn't believe this power of nature thing." He sighed and sat down next to her, putting his hand over her mouth before she could voice her opinion. "I know exactly what you were going to say, so don't even start. I believe you and they will eventually, so calm down." He chuckled, noticing her angry eyes composing. When she looked mellow enough, he removed his hand.
"You did not know what I was going to say. I was just going to suggest a stroll through the woods," Tinfea replied, standing up.
Vitralth smiled, "Yes, great idea. Mithril and Fiamma will be grateful for the exercise."
They walked outside, each one whistling for their companion. The two horses came up, blending well together, one of silver the other of flame. Tinfea skipped in joy at the sight of her horse, hitting her foot on a branch. She stumbled to the ground, grunting her anger. Vitralth reached down to help her up.
"Even after 200 years you have not gotten over your clumsy stage." Tinfea smiled weakly, remembering that day. She leaped onto Mithril, singling her into a canter as soon as she was settled. Fiamma was right behind her, never missing a step. Once they reached the forest, the horses slowed to an extended trot, their legs stretching out far. Soon, they reached the stream where Tinfea first saw the Vegolphon bird.
Tinfea slid off the horse, feeling thirsty. She walked to the stream, leaning down to put her hands into the pure water. Vitralth followed, watching her now effortless steps. After a few seconds of silent drinking, a deer in the forest bounded out. She looked quickly around, not seeing any immediate danger. Tinfea made a soft noise deep in her throat. The deer cocked her head at the maiden and made the same noise. She took a long sip from the stream, glanced at the beings in front of her, and bounded off again. Tinfea breathed deeply, not wanting this peace to ever leave.
"It seems odd to think that at a time such as this, others are battling for their lives," Vitralth said. Tinfea nodded and leaned back against a beech tree.
"I wonder who the one with the power of nature is," she said thoughtfully, making odd rustling noises. The tree above her responded, the noises coming back to her. Tinfea smiled and repeated her message. Vitralth looked at her in disbelief.
"I think I know who the one is," he said gently.
Tinfea glanced at him curiously. "Who?"
"You," he stated.
"Me?"
"Of course. You can speak to trees," he remarked.
She rolled her eyes, trying to make him understand. "And you cannot? Besides, I have not seen a Vegolphon bird for over 200 years. How could it be me?"
"The book said that it arrived once the evil arrived. And the evil has not been here long."
"It's not me."
"Yes, it is."
"No, you're wrong, like always."
He gave her a mocking look. "I'm not wrong, or if I am, prove it to me."
"Fine, I will stay out here tonight and wait for dawn. This tree told me that the Vegolphon bird nests here." Just to make him happy and be quiet.
"I will stay here too, hiding behind some bushes, just in case someone doesn't believe you. I don't think they will take the trees as a witness." Tinfea gave him a trademark look that he responded to with his usual smirk.
Another long wait, but hopefully I will start updating regularly.
Meltintalle~ again, extremely sorry. But I am always grateful for your reviews. And the only thing wrong with Vitralth is in battle he gets very concentrated on killing whoever is in his way. It really only started happening with the orcs and that was their first practice after Sauron was gone and the orcs defeated. It is kind of like the Bloodwrath in the Redwall books, if you have read those. Anyway, it is the same thing that got his father killed and he has tried to evade it. It will come more later in the story when he actually goes into battle.
As always, review!!!!!