My tentative posting schedule will be: On Tuesdays I will post a chapter. I am planning on making the chapters longer. If I'm lucky and have another chapter ready, the bonus chapter will be posted on Saturday.
Chapter 4
Shadow
The Valar themselves do not understand the full extent and meaning of Ilúvatar's song, for it was not their place to do so. Some things were just not meant to be fully understood. The Shadow creature was one of these things. What needed to be understood was how it came to be, and if the lesser beings were unable to discover this reason and reverse the damage it was causing, then not even the Valar, in all their greatness and splendor, would be able to save Middle Earth.
The Shadow creature understood that it existed, that it needed to feed, and it needed to search. It knew not what it was searching for, only that when whatever it was searching for was found it would no longer feel the insatiable hunger that constantly drove it to consume all light and the beings who carried this light within their hearts and souls.
It had been instinctively drawn to this place of light over which it now hovered, knowing that what it sought lay within. Twice, already, it had been repulsed, had been kept from taking that which it so desired. However, it was not yet ready to abandon the task it had set for itself.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-).
Dark grey eyes and a dark mind watched as the creature hovered over its heart's desire and also watched as it had been repulsed. Though he could not see beyond the magic that protected this place, he knew the Shadow creature could and by its behavior suspected that what both he and the creature sought, lay within. There was a great power protecting his prize but he also knew if he could flush it out into the open where he could get to it, his minions could capture both it and its dark counterpart. Then his goal for ultimate domination over all life in this world could be achieved, for to control one meant to control both. Perhaps, he would give the creature a little assistance.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-).
Anayah was almost frantic. Her Grandparents were visiting her new home. She had not had much of a chance to visit with her Grandfather, Lord Celeborn since he and the Lórien contingent had been there some time before as an ally in the battle for the three Elven Rings of Power. He had been concerned that she had suffered a significant injury during that battle and had visited her on several occasions but, understandably, his responsibilities as Lord of Caras Galadhon had prevented him from being able to stay as long as he would have liked and all too soon, he had left to return to the Golden Wood.
Before she had come to live at Imladris, Anayah had been something of a free spirit, doing what she wanted and when she wanted to do it. She answered to no Elf for what she did and always took sole responsibility for the end results. The young she-elf had shown no interest in learning to live the way that most elves lived and had often referred to that lifestyle as boring. The Lord and Lady had allowed Haldir to shoulder some of the work at integrating her into a more "normal" Elven lifestyle and he had been somewhat successful at his task although if one were to ask him, he would say that, yes, it was possible for an elf to get grey hairs.
Celeborn and Galadriel, knowing full-well Lord Elrond's big heart and willingness to accept orphaned younglings into his heart and family, had sent Anayah to foster at Imladris hoping that she would finally have a chance to learn what having and living with a family really felt like. It had felt strange to her at first although she eventually came to think of Imladris as home and thought of Lord Elrond as the father she had never had a chance to have, and the twins, Aragorn and, in truth, even Legolas, as siblings. Even though she had all the natural grace and beauty of her elven lineage, she would never be happy or comfortable living the quiet and serene lives that most elves did but being adaptable, was willing to try.
Now, her Grandparents were here, in what she considered to be her home and she felt a great desire to make a good impression, showing them that their hearts had been right, this was always what she had needed and wanted, even though she had been loathe to admit it.
Now, the first "snag" of the evening had just happened. One of her ladies laid out a gown for her to wear. Legolas didn't say a word and neither did Elrond, the first because he remembered a previous incident concerning a gown and the second because he knew of the first incident and wanted to see if her hatred of gowns had also been one of the minor character flaws he had been able to change about her.
"What is that?" She pointed at the offending piece of apparel and glared at Míriel, one of her ladies as she laid it out on the bed.
Not offended in the least, Míriel calmly answered. "It is a gown, my Lady. Does it not meet with your approval?"
"I do not even think so! I do not like gowns, I have never owned a gown and I am not about to start now! Get that thing out of my sight!"
Legolas was laughing so hard at the way she was fussing that he was in imminent danger of falling out of his chair.
"I believe I may have an alternative for you my Lady but I must respectfully request that everyone else leave the room." The tall she-elf looked pointedly at Lord Elrond and Legolas as she spoke. "We have much to do and little time to do it in."
As he was leaving, Legolas paused in front of Anayah.
"I will go and check on Elias and make sure that his three "mothers" have not mother-henned the poor horse to death. I will return in 30 minutes time and if you would allow me, I will escort you to meet your Grandparents as a Lady should be escorted." He was about to step through the door but had one last thought and turned back. "When Aragorn and I first met you in Lórien, you mentioned that you would have shown up for our introductions naked rather than wear a gown? Would you really have done so?"
"Of course." It was a simple answer that told the simple truth.
As he left, Legolas's laughter could be heard all the way down the stairs.
Lord Elrond raised and eyebrow at her remark but otherwise did not respond. He was, after all, known as a wise elf.
Elenath, Anayah's second Lady, closed the door quietly behind him.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-).
The next 30 minutes were a blur for Anayah but without the help of her Ladies-in-waiting, she would not have had adequate time to prepare herself. When a soft knock was heard on the door and it was opened, Legolas was not quite prepared for what he saw.
The black boots, black leggings, black vest and black slatted skirt were all made of the same soft black leather while her tunic was of a dark grey silk. Her warrior braids were interwoven with a red gold ribbon and were themselves woven in to the braid she always wore. There was a thin red-gold circlet on her head, and a small ceremonial dagger hung in its small, ornately decorated sheath above the bicep of her left arm.
Seeing the expression on the face of the Mirkwood Prince, she smiled at him.
"I am just about ready. How is the Old Man?"
"He pulled a tendon on his left front fetlock but he seems to be more comfortable, especially after the twins put the boot on him."
Anayah nodded her head as if she had expected that result.
"His leg has now been dutifully tended, he has been groomed and fed, and his stall has double the normal amount of straw in it to further cushion his steps. I am sure he will heal quickly. The poor beast has been fussed over so much that I do believe I saw him roll his eyes in frustration!"
Anayah laughed, wincing as she did so for when she laughed, her circlet had rubbed the edge of her stitches.
Seeing her wince, Legolas pressed lightly down on the circlet where it would sit more comfortable.
"Thank you."
"You are quite welcome." He offered his arm to her. "Now, I do believe that you have guests to meet?"
Together the two of them left her chambers.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-).
The two had just reached the bottom of the stairs, when Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn came through the kitchen door. Elladan stopped in surprise which started off a chain reaction until all three had about knocked each other off their feet by bumping into each other. None of them had seen their sister in either formal or semi-formal dress before and were surprised at the change it had affected in her and also wondered what occasion had necessitated the change. Legolas winked at his friends, signifying that all seemed to be well.
Her brothers bowed as she walked by and she nodded her head slightly in acknowledgment. She and her escort had not taken more than three steps passed where they still stood, when she stopped.
"Yes!" Legolas spoke the word silently in his mind. He had hoped something like this would happen, something that might close the breach among the four that had been opened to cataclysmic proportions when Anayah's horse had been injured. It had been his hope that her change of mood after being informed of her Grandparents' arrival would calm her enough to allow her to see that her brothers were indeed sorry for what had happened.
Anayah turned to her brothers and held out her arms. All three of them came to her and they stood for a moment, foreheads touching as unspoken words of apology and forgiveness passed among them. Finally, she pushed herself away.
"We will talk later, my brothers."
They nodded in reply.
As she turned back to Legolas and again took his arm, a small tremor shook the house. For a moment everyone paused and looked around them in surprise as the walls creaked ominously. Then as suddenly as it had begun, it was over and all was silent again. Looking back to where her brothers still stood, she shrugged as did they. Whatever had caused the Last Homely House to groan and creak had, for the moment, become silent.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-).
Outside the door of the sitting room, Anayah began to nervously fuss with her hair and clothes. Legolas held her at arms length and looked at her then reassured her that she looked fine, telling her that she would even pass inspection in his father's court. She raised her eyebrow at this.
"My father is quite strict about his family and those in his Royal Court always looking presentable. But that is a story for another time. For now, perhaps we should go inside."
Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she knocked on the door.
TBC
Sami15: Thanks for your review and comments. Here is my reply. Where's Arwen? Don't know. Last time I heard, she was in Lórien. Is my female lead character off-cannon? Yeppers. Do I care? Noppers. I was writing ficlets with my female lead for over 2 years before I discovered the FanFic site and my Black Rider Series is my way of getting it out of my system. BTW ... my female lead is a foster-daughter and related to Elrond only through the family lines.
You are incorrect that there were only 5 Maia (actually the plural is Maiar) that were sent to ME. There were only 5 "ISTAR Wizards" sent to middle earth by the names that you gave. Now the Istari were also Maiar, true, but the Maiar, who were the "lesser" form of the Valar a.k.a. Ainur, and were helpers to the Valar, were many.
There were also Maiar in Middle Earth who had been perverted by the will of Morgoth a.k.a. Melkor, brother of Manwë, King of the Valar. The Balrogs were Maiar ... and just so you know ... Sauron was also a Maia. And there may have been other Maiar, as well. There may never be a complete list, as Christopher, JRR's son, will probably never finish going through his father's papers in his lifetime. There is an ongoing debate among Tolkien scholars, at this time, that Tom Bombadil, Tree Beard and Gwaihir may have been Maiar as well. I, personally, have my nickel rolling around in the can for Shadowfax being a Maia.
As far as gender (Maiar being all males) ... wrong again. Thingol, Elven King of Doriath and Father of Luthien Tinuviel, beloved of Beren, (Ley of Beleriand, Ley of Luthien etc.) was married to Melian ... a Maiar!
And finally, my young friend, I write for myself and for the love of writing and really don't care to structure my story to anyone's specifications but my own. The story will continue to be written and, I might add, written the way I want.
My advice to you is that if you are going to argue Tolkien ... make sure it is not with somebody who studies Tolkien. Peace.
A Sly Fan: I'm glad you felt better about it! 8-)
DesolateAznVamp: Yes, our girl/elf is definitely her own woman even though she is playing in a "Man's World". Although females are mentioned by Tolkien, there are few who ever had a dominant role over an extended period of time and few were allowed to be warriors on their own merits without having the males raise their eyebrows in surprise. Luthien, Arwen, Eowen are three, just off the top of my head, that were mentioned, but though they are portrayed as strong, capable and dignified women, very capable of taking care of themselves, we just don't hear too much about them. I wanted to shake up the "status quo" a little bit ... give those boys a run for their money. Now, about your second question: why do I only accept signed reviews? Good question. I'm going to have to check the site out for exactly how I can accept unsigned reviews - probably some simple little setting. Thanks for bringing that to my attention! And thanks for the review!
Chapter 4
Shadow
The Valar themselves do not understand the full extent and meaning of Ilúvatar's song, for it was not their place to do so. Some things were just not meant to be fully understood. The Shadow creature was one of these things. What needed to be understood was how it came to be, and if the lesser beings were unable to discover this reason and reverse the damage it was causing, then not even the Valar, in all their greatness and splendor, would be able to save Middle Earth.
The Shadow creature understood that it existed, that it needed to feed, and it needed to search. It knew not what it was searching for, only that when whatever it was searching for was found it would no longer feel the insatiable hunger that constantly drove it to consume all light and the beings who carried this light within their hearts and souls.
It had been instinctively drawn to this place of light over which it now hovered, knowing that what it sought lay within. Twice, already, it had been repulsed, had been kept from taking that which it so desired. However, it was not yet ready to abandon the task it had set for itself.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-).
Dark grey eyes and a dark mind watched as the creature hovered over its heart's desire and also watched as it had been repulsed. Though he could not see beyond the magic that protected this place, he knew the Shadow creature could and by its behavior suspected that what both he and the creature sought, lay within. There was a great power protecting his prize but he also knew if he could flush it out into the open where he could get to it, his minions could capture both it and its dark counterpart. Then his goal for ultimate domination over all life in this world could be achieved, for to control one meant to control both. Perhaps, he would give the creature a little assistance.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-).
Anayah was almost frantic. Her Grandparents were visiting her new home. She had not had much of a chance to visit with her Grandfather, Lord Celeborn since he and the Lórien contingent had been there some time before as an ally in the battle for the three Elven Rings of Power. He had been concerned that she had suffered a significant injury during that battle and had visited her on several occasions but, understandably, his responsibilities as Lord of Caras Galadhon had prevented him from being able to stay as long as he would have liked and all too soon, he had left to return to the Golden Wood.
Before she had come to live at Imladris, Anayah had been something of a free spirit, doing what she wanted and when she wanted to do it. She answered to no Elf for what she did and always took sole responsibility for the end results. The young she-elf had shown no interest in learning to live the way that most elves lived and had often referred to that lifestyle as boring. The Lord and Lady had allowed Haldir to shoulder some of the work at integrating her into a more "normal" Elven lifestyle and he had been somewhat successful at his task although if one were to ask him, he would say that, yes, it was possible for an elf to get grey hairs.
Celeborn and Galadriel, knowing full-well Lord Elrond's big heart and willingness to accept orphaned younglings into his heart and family, had sent Anayah to foster at Imladris hoping that she would finally have a chance to learn what having and living with a family really felt like. It had felt strange to her at first although she eventually came to think of Imladris as home and thought of Lord Elrond as the father she had never had a chance to have, and the twins, Aragorn and, in truth, even Legolas, as siblings. Even though she had all the natural grace and beauty of her elven lineage, she would never be happy or comfortable living the quiet and serene lives that most elves did but being adaptable, was willing to try.
Now, her Grandparents were here, in what she considered to be her home and she felt a great desire to make a good impression, showing them that their hearts had been right, this was always what she had needed and wanted, even though she had been loathe to admit it.
Now, the first "snag" of the evening had just happened. One of her ladies laid out a gown for her to wear. Legolas didn't say a word and neither did Elrond, the first because he remembered a previous incident concerning a gown and the second because he knew of the first incident and wanted to see if her hatred of gowns had also been one of the minor character flaws he had been able to change about her.
"What is that?" She pointed at the offending piece of apparel and glared at Míriel, one of her ladies as she laid it out on the bed.
Not offended in the least, Míriel calmly answered. "It is a gown, my Lady. Does it not meet with your approval?"
"I do not even think so! I do not like gowns, I have never owned a gown and I am not about to start now! Get that thing out of my sight!"
Legolas was laughing so hard at the way she was fussing that he was in imminent danger of falling out of his chair.
"I believe I may have an alternative for you my Lady but I must respectfully request that everyone else leave the room." The tall she-elf looked pointedly at Lord Elrond and Legolas as she spoke. "We have much to do and little time to do it in."
As he was leaving, Legolas paused in front of Anayah.
"I will go and check on Elias and make sure that his three "mothers" have not mother-henned the poor horse to death. I will return in 30 minutes time and if you would allow me, I will escort you to meet your Grandparents as a Lady should be escorted." He was about to step through the door but had one last thought and turned back. "When Aragorn and I first met you in Lórien, you mentioned that you would have shown up for our introductions naked rather than wear a gown? Would you really have done so?"
"Of course." It was a simple answer that told the simple truth.
As he left, Legolas's laughter could be heard all the way down the stairs.
Lord Elrond raised and eyebrow at her remark but otherwise did not respond. He was, after all, known as a wise elf.
Elenath, Anayah's second Lady, closed the door quietly behind him.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-).
The next 30 minutes were a blur for Anayah but without the help of her Ladies-in-waiting, she would not have had adequate time to prepare herself. When a soft knock was heard on the door and it was opened, Legolas was not quite prepared for what he saw.
The black boots, black leggings, black vest and black slatted skirt were all made of the same soft black leather while her tunic was of a dark grey silk. Her warrior braids were interwoven with a red gold ribbon and were themselves woven in to the braid she always wore. There was a thin red-gold circlet on her head, and a small ceremonial dagger hung in its small, ornately decorated sheath above the bicep of her left arm.
Seeing the expression on the face of the Mirkwood Prince, she smiled at him.
"I am just about ready. How is the Old Man?"
"He pulled a tendon on his left front fetlock but he seems to be more comfortable, especially after the twins put the boot on him."
Anayah nodded her head as if she had expected that result.
"His leg has now been dutifully tended, he has been groomed and fed, and his stall has double the normal amount of straw in it to further cushion his steps. I am sure he will heal quickly. The poor beast has been fussed over so much that I do believe I saw him roll his eyes in frustration!"
Anayah laughed, wincing as she did so for when she laughed, her circlet had rubbed the edge of her stitches.
Seeing her wince, Legolas pressed lightly down on the circlet where it would sit more comfortable.
"Thank you."
"You are quite welcome." He offered his arm to her. "Now, I do believe that you have guests to meet?"
Together the two of them left her chambers.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-).
The two had just reached the bottom of the stairs, when Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn came through the kitchen door. Elladan stopped in surprise which started off a chain reaction until all three had about knocked each other off their feet by bumping into each other. None of them had seen their sister in either formal or semi-formal dress before and were surprised at the change it had affected in her and also wondered what occasion had necessitated the change. Legolas winked at his friends, signifying that all seemed to be well.
Her brothers bowed as she walked by and she nodded her head slightly in acknowledgment. She and her escort had not taken more than three steps passed where they still stood, when she stopped.
"Yes!" Legolas spoke the word silently in his mind. He had hoped something like this would happen, something that might close the breach among the four that had been opened to cataclysmic proportions when Anayah's horse had been injured. It had been his hope that her change of mood after being informed of her Grandparents' arrival would calm her enough to allow her to see that her brothers were indeed sorry for what had happened.
Anayah turned to her brothers and held out her arms. All three of them came to her and they stood for a moment, foreheads touching as unspoken words of apology and forgiveness passed among them. Finally, she pushed herself away.
"We will talk later, my brothers."
They nodded in reply.
As she turned back to Legolas and again took his arm, a small tremor shook the house. For a moment everyone paused and looked around them in surprise as the walls creaked ominously. Then as suddenly as it had begun, it was over and all was silent again. Looking back to where her brothers still stood, she shrugged as did they. Whatever had caused the Last Homely House to groan and creak had, for the moment, become silent.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-).
Outside the door of the sitting room, Anayah began to nervously fuss with her hair and clothes. Legolas held her at arms length and looked at her then reassured her that she looked fine, telling her that she would even pass inspection in his father's court. She raised her eyebrow at this.
"My father is quite strict about his family and those in his Royal Court always looking presentable. But that is a story for another time. For now, perhaps we should go inside."
Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she knocked on the door.
TBC
Sami15: Thanks for your review and comments. Here is my reply. Where's Arwen? Don't know. Last time I heard, she was in Lórien. Is my female lead character off-cannon? Yeppers. Do I care? Noppers. I was writing ficlets with my female lead for over 2 years before I discovered the FanFic site and my Black Rider Series is my way of getting it out of my system. BTW ... my female lead is a foster-daughter and related to Elrond only through the family lines.
You are incorrect that there were only 5 Maia (actually the plural is Maiar) that were sent to ME. There were only 5 "ISTAR Wizards" sent to middle earth by the names that you gave. Now the Istari were also Maiar, true, but the Maiar, who were the "lesser" form of the Valar a.k.a. Ainur, and were helpers to the Valar, were many.
There were also Maiar in Middle Earth who had been perverted by the will of Morgoth a.k.a. Melkor, brother of Manwë, King of the Valar. The Balrogs were Maiar ... and just so you know ... Sauron was also a Maia. And there may have been other Maiar, as well. There may never be a complete list, as Christopher, JRR's son, will probably never finish going through his father's papers in his lifetime. There is an ongoing debate among Tolkien scholars, at this time, that Tom Bombadil, Tree Beard and Gwaihir may have been Maiar as well. I, personally, have my nickel rolling around in the can for Shadowfax being a Maia.
As far as gender (Maiar being all males) ... wrong again. Thingol, Elven King of Doriath and Father of Luthien Tinuviel, beloved of Beren, (Ley of Beleriand, Ley of Luthien etc.) was married to Melian ... a Maiar!
And finally, my young friend, I write for myself and for the love of writing and really don't care to structure my story to anyone's specifications but my own. The story will continue to be written and, I might add, written the way I want.
My advice to you is that if you are going to argue Tolkien ... make sure it is not with somebody who studies Tolkien. Peace.
A Sly Fan: I'm glad you felt better about it! 8-)
DesolateAznVamp: Yes, our girl/elf is definitely her own woman even though she is playing in a "Man's World". Although females are mentioned by Tolkien, there are few who ever had a dominant role over an extended period of time and few were allowed to be warriors on their own merits without having the males raise their eyebrows in surprise. Luthien, Arwen, Eowen are three, just off the top of my head, that were mentioned, but though they are portrayed as strong, capable and dignified women, very capable of taking care of themselves, we just don't hear too much about them. I wanted to shake up the "status quo" a little bit ... give those boys a run for their money. Now, about your second question: why do I only accept signed reviews? Good question. I'm going to have to check the site out for exactly how I can accept unsigned reviews - probably some simple little setting. Thanks for bringing that to my attention! And thanks for the review!