Chapter 2: The Hard and Long Path to Heaven
"Isn't it weird? Isn't it strange? Even thought we're both two strangers in this runaway train we're both trying to find a place in the sun. we've lived in the shadows, but doesn't everyone? isn't it strange how we all feel a little bit weird sometimes¼
Isn't it hard, standing in the rain? Yeah, you're in the verge of going crazy and your heart is in pain¼ No one can hear, though you're screaming so loud. You feel like you're all alone in this faceless crowd. Isn't it strange how we all get a little bit weird sometimes?" Weird, Hanson
Arien ignored the growing threat in her mind and went further inside the forest. For all that she knew from the empire, they never went south, so this was the only safe path for her. Odd that she called safe a thing her mother herself was afraid to face.
It hasn't stopped raining ever since. She was grateful for that, for everything was so dark and the ground was so wet no trail would be found later. With such a storm, Arien doubted even the sylvan elves that live here will find a thing. She was soaked to the bones. The horses were not feeling well either, poor ones. It had been two weeks, and she barely stooped to eat, feed the horses and sleep. If she was found, she was doomed.
But now the trees were closer to one another, making it difficult to Arien to move in quickly.
Taking a deep breath, Arien tried to focus on her current predicament. She was supposed to find a glade, or at least an easier path to drive the wagon through. And she should do it before the rain stopped, too, and leave Greenwood's borders as soon as possible. Exhaustion was beginning to show its big, ugly head, but she was too scared to stop.
She was in the verge of the triangle: Greenwood, Rivendell and Laurenindórinan. Her life did not have much worth if she was caught here; if her mother's words were correct. she must go to the East, around Greenwood, then find a way to the forest of Fangorn, the oldest. He may know how to reach the hidden city.
Two months came and went.
There was a bad side of the raining, of course. Even if it had hidden her trails to whoever might be tracking her, it has increased amazingly the water level. And now how could she pass that ocean ahead of her?
But she needed to. Fangorn was across the river. The ground was so soaked it was hard to control the wagon. The rain was fading, day after day.
Arien grew further worried as she checked the map. There was no straight road to Fangorn forest- as a matter of fact, the path was interrupted by many rivers, and she had not the means to cross them.
She decided to camp a little far from the riverbank, until the rain ceased. Then she could look for a ford. But Arien was running out of supplies, and she herself didn't have much of a food. Things were starting to get desperate.
Spring was bound to come, even in that godforsaken place. The moon appeared briefly between one gathering of clouds and other, full and silver. The dark clouds were a good thing, otherwise she'd be seen with no doubt.
Or maybe ...
Elves. They were not supposed to come this far away from Laurenindórinan, were they?
"Hail," said the taller, when they were close enough. There were five of them and he spoke in the Common Tongue.
"Hail" the elfling answered.
"What are you doing lost here?" the dark-haired asked. He was the only dark elf of the group, all others had golden hair.
'What do you mean, silly? If I am lost, or what I am doing here?'
"Trying to cross the river and go to Gondor." Arien answered politely, still in the Common Tongue. They exchanged quick glances
"You won't be able to cross the river with this wagon" said the first.
'Don't these people have manners? Won't they introduce themselves?'
"So I see." Arien sighed. It was getting cold. She turned inside the wagon to get a dry tunic, but all five settled their bows.
" 'Tis all right!. Just some clothing. It's quite cold." she showed her clothes slowly and put it on. She was shivering.
"The Lady told us to be careful with the one that comes with the storm."
"I didn't come with the storm. The storm was on my way. And I'd be delighted if it would cease for a day. I'm about to get a cold. Can you help me?" she said, seeing they wouldn't leave till something was done.
"We were just making sure of your destination, mistress." said the dark-haired.
'Oh, yes, you didn't want this filthy scum on your precious land, so you came to make sure I wouldn't even think of making a visit, isn't that?'
"All right, then. But as you are here, could you tell me where there is a ford so I can try to cross this river?" The elves looked at each other again, and Arien could swear they were discussing whether they should tell her. But, seemingly, the will to get rid of the girl was stronger.
"Follow the river for about a day of march. It's lower there." The leading elf stared at her long and hard, trying, doubtlessly, to gather how much information that youngling could absorb. And then decided to make things very simple. "You will also find the Limlight river, which is not this wide. And it's quite low also. Then you cruise southwest till you find a the Entwash. Have a care with that one. Rohan lies yonder. There you can ask for information."
"Thank you very much, sir" Arien answered with her best iron-melting smile. The elfling then pulled the reins and commanded her horses to southeast. She was not stupid. They were telling her to leave immediately. She felt them still as stones in the rain, watching as she went away. Luckily for Arien, they could not read her mind. But the Lady could. And Arien didn't want that.
Nervous, the girl only allowed the horses to stop after she had crossed both rivers. She found herself in a meadow. Luxury green grass everywhere, so she left the animals loose to eat a little. They were starting to thin. Arien ate melancholically the last pieces of mushroom and one apple.
The sun had not risen yet, but everything was already set. That day Arien planned to walk into the forest of Fangorn, the oldest. The horses got all the rest they needed in the previous day, and most her clothes are dry. The girl was running out of food, but that'll be arranged later. She could always hunt some wild animal for lunch.
Arien rode slowly into the forest. It was indeed very different from the forest she have seen before; it was more solemn and mysterious. She can feel something watching her, but it was not humanoid, or so she guessed. When the feeling became positively hostile, Arien decided to introduce herself.
"Hello?" Arien said loudly, almost yelling.
Silence. She decided it was better try again.
"Fangorn? I am from the half-elves, or half-humans, as you please, and I was told you might know where the city of my kind is. Please?"
Hostility slowed down, to her greatest relief. Arien sensed something moving. There was something interfering, nevertheless. She heard a deep husky voice speaking from her backs.
"Oh, I never knew there was any of you little people still walking loose. How's your name, child?"
Arien turned slowly before answering, wide-eyed. Whenever she arrived at the place, Arien will surely be able to say she had seen the oddest things without lying. So that was an Ent. He looked like some bizarre crossover between humans and trees, more tree-like. His dark-green glittering eyes showing both wisdom and curiosity.
"My name is Arien. I am a renegade." She spoke simply, trusting he would understand. And he did. He - sort of - smiled at her.
"You are far, far away of where you are suppose to be, little child. I was left with the directions because there were plenty of you around here in the past. It was much before the Golden Lady came to Laurenindórinan, and the trees of our forests met in these days. Now the forest is growing smaller, and I haven't seen one of you for ages--"
Her stomach made a loud noise, interrupting the Ent's speech. Arien blushed deeply. And then, the tree-shepherd winked.
"Hungry, are you? Come to my place. We can discuss everything there. And I can give you something to drink, I think you are going to like it..."
Arien followed him, noticing the trees deviated for them to pass. He walked pretty fast, deeper and deeper into the heart of the forest. When they arrived, she let the horses loose to eat some grass and rest, and went into the house... of the oldest.
He gave her a vessel filled with rich, earthy water - that to her surprise made her feel very satisfied - and began to tell the child stories of her kind, when Malanna and some of his friends, tired of being kicked from one place to another (especially in such dangerous times...), have decided to put all renegades together in a magic city in where they'd be safe. He told her of how, for some centuries, several half-elves from basically everywhere went to Fangorn hidden in the shadows to ask information about Antar. And then, as the sun was setting, he told her how Arien do to get there.
Fangorn was right. Arien had taken the longer way- but then again, she wouldn't be able to travel in a straight line with the whole empire in the middle of the way. The elfling had to go east. Forever. It seemed like the trip would last for a good four months. Arien desperately needed to obtain supplies.
The plan was to cross the rivers again, go back to the bottom border of Greenwood the Great, then across the wasteland, where the wildmen tribes live, and cross the Rhûn sea, always eastwards. Then she'd find the mountains of Arneth.
"But Fangorn, I am lacking provisions. I am going to need some food. How could I get them?"
"There is a village of beornings not too far from your path. You could get some there. Do you have anything to negotiate?" he asked kindly. Arien thought with some awe that Fangorn was a romantic at heart, and that he sympathized with the renegades in more ways than one...
"Yes, I have some gold left¼ and a few gems.." Arien said as she put the rest of her wet clothes to dry at his cavern. He walked to a small waterfall and stood there, arms up.
"Where are your parents, child?"
"They are dead." Arien whispered. She heard thunder, and it began to rain, but not so violently as it had of late.
"I know what you feel like" he spoke softly, eyes filled with understanding. "Now rest a little, tomorrow I can show you the way."
"Night"
"Night"
Crossing was out of consideration, Arien decided grimly. It would break her neck.
Arien had no precise idea of time anymore. She could tell whether it was early June or late August. She felt content enough that she had made it- it was no small feat. Oddly, there was nothing but sand there. Maybe she should come closer. Fangorn had told her it was right after the Arneth Mountains. It must be around there somewhere.
And there it was. Antar. Arien could see it far away against the bleeding sky. Exotic trees, some animals running to their burrows before nightfall, and the top of the buildings, barely visible above the walls.
The elfling decided it was better camp for the night. She wanted to be fresh when she walks into Antar. Ilúvatar knows what she may find there.
She lied down in the grass, trying to realize what time of the year it was then. Roughly nine months of travelling, avoiding orcs, trolls, thieves, and elves. Funny to put the so-called 'goodie' ones among the most hated menaces of the free world.
Arien realized it was better get some sleep. She was rambling.
With herself.
The girl couldn't sleep well, as she was too agitated. But the animals got some rest, at least. It would be wonderful to sleep in a real bed, after so long. And take a real bath. And eat a proper meal. What would happen when she gets there, the child wondered, suddenly afraid. Would they put her under responsibility of the government or what? What laws, what costumes would they have?
There was a huge marble arch in a wide stonewall. She was only merely annoyed that she cannot see the city anymore, for the walls were tall indeed. However, it did feel as if it was a different wall- taller, maybe, or simply smoother¼ Arien was not very sure. The only thing she did know was that she was too confused to pass judgment. The elfling went to the gate and it opened.
She took a deep breath and urged the horses forward, entering a city as she'd never seen before.
A.N.: In the case you're not familiar with LoTR End of Second Age/beggining of Third Age geography, you have Greenwood the Great ( later known as Mirkwood) northeast, Laurenindórinan (later known as Lothlórien or Lórien) southwest and Imladris or Rivendell west. Between Rivendell and the others there was a huge mountain range, called the Misty Mountains in a wide vertical line. Between Greenwood and Laurenindórinan there is the Anduin, a huge, wide river. And between Laurenindórinan and Fangorn there is two rivers, the Anduin itself and the Entwash.
North to Mirkwood, you have the Grey Mountains, a little northeast, the lone mountain. Hope it helps you.
"Isn't it weird? Isn't it strange? Even thought we're both two strangers in this runaway train we're both trying to find a place in the sun. we've lived in the shadows, but doesn't everyone? isn't it strange how we all feel a little bit weird sometimes¼
Isn't it hard, standing in the rain? Yeah, you're in the verge of going crazy and your heart is in pain¼ No one can hear, though you're screaming so loud. You feel like you're all alone in this faceless crowd. Isn't it strange how we all get a little bit weird sometimes?" Weird, Hanson
Arien ignored the growing threat in her mind and went further inside the forest. For all that she knew from the empire, they never went south, so this was the only safe path for her. Odd that she called safe a thing her mother herself was afraid to face.
It hasn't stopped raining ever since. She was grateful for that, for everything was so dark and the ground was so wet no trail would be found later. With such a storm, Arien doubted even the sylvan elves that live here will find a thing. She was soaked to the bones. The horses were not feeling well either, poor ones. It had been two weeks, and she barely stooped to eat, feed the horses and sleep. If she was found, she was doomed.
But now the trees were closer to one another, making it difficult to Arien to move in quickly.
Taking a deep breath, Arien tried to focus on her current predicament. She was supposed to find a glade, or at least an easier path to drive the wagon through. And she should do it before the rain stopped, too, and leave Greenwood's borders as soon as possible. Exhaustion was beginning to show its big, ugly head, but she was too scared to stop.
She was in the verge of the triangle: Greenwood, Rivendell and Laurenindórinan. Her life did not have much worth if she was caught here; if her mother's words were correct. she must go to the East, around Greenwood, then find a way to the forest of Fangorn, the oldest. He may know how to reach the hidden city.
Two months came and went.
There was a bad side of the raining, of course. Even if it had hidden her trails to whoever might be tracking her, it has increased amazingly the water level. And now how could she pass that ocean ahead of her?
But she needed to. Fangorn was across the river. The ground was so soaked it was hard to control the wagon. The rain was fading, day after day.
Arien grew further worried as she checked the map. There was no straight road to Fangorn forest- as a matter of fact, the path was interrupted by many rivers, and she had not the means to cross them.
She decided to camp a little far from the riverbank, until the rain ceased. Then she could look for a ford. But Arien was running out of supplies, and she herself didn't have much of a food. Things were starting to get desperate.
Spring was bound to come, even in that godforsaken place. The moon appeared briefly between one gathering of clouds and other, full and silver. The dark clouds were a good thing, otherwise she'd be seen with no doubt.
Or maybe ...
Elves. They were not supposed to come this far away from Laurenindórinan, were they?
"Hail," said the taller, when they were close enough. There were five of them and he spoke in the Common Tongue.
"Hail" the elfling answered.
"What are you doing lost here?" the dark-haired asked. He was the only dark elf of the group, all others had golden hair.
'What do you mean, silly? If I am lost, or what I am doing here?'
"Trying to cross the river and go to Gondor." Arien answered politely, still in the Common Tongue. They exchanged quick glances
"You won't be able to cross the river with this wagon" said the first.
'Don't these people have manners? Won't they introduce themselves?'
"So I see." Arien sighed. It was getting cold. She turned inside the wagon to get a dry tunic, but all five settled their bows.
" 'Tis all right!. Just some clothing. It's quite cold." she showed her clothes slowly and put it on. She was shivering.
"The Lady told us to be careful with the one that comes with the storm."
"I didn't come with the storm. The storm was on my way. And I'd be delighted if it would cease for a day. I'm about to get a cold. Can you help me?" she said, seeing they wouldn't leave till something was done.
"We were just making sure of your destination, mistress." said the dark-haired.
'Oh, yes, you didn't want this filthy scum on your precious land, so you came to make sure I wouldn't even think of making a visit, isn't that?'
"All right, then. But as you are here, could you tell me where there is a ford so I can try to cross this river?" The elves looked at each other again, and Arien could swear they were discussing whether they should tell her. But, seemingly, the will to get rid of the girl was stronger.
"Follow the river for about a day of march. It's lower there." The leading elf stared at her long and hard, trying, doubtlessly, to gather how much information that youngling could absorb. And then decided to make things very simple. "You will also find the Limlight river, which is not this wide. And it's quite low also. Then you cruise southwest till you find a the Entwash. Have a care with that one. Rohan lies yonder. There you can ask for information."
"Thank you very much, sir" Arien answered with her best iron-melting smile. The elfling then pulled the reins and commanded her horses to southeast. She was not stupid. They were telling her to leave immediately. She felt them still as stones in the rain, watching as she went away. Luckily for Arien, they could not read her mind. But the Lady could. And Arien didn't want that.
Nervous, the girl only allowed the horses to stop after she had crossed both rivers. She found herself in a meadow. Luxury green grass everywhere, so she left the animals loose to eat a little. They were starting to thin. Arien ate melancholically the last pieces of mushroom and one apple.
The sun had not risen yet, but everything was already set. That day Arien planned to walk into the forest of Fangorn, the oldest. The horses got all the rest they needed in the previous day, and most her clothes are dry. The girl was running out of food, but that'll be arranged later. She could always hunt some wild animal for lunch.
Arien rode slowly into the forest. It was indeed very different from the forest she have seen before; it was more solemn and mysterious. She can feel something watching her, but it was not humanoid, or so she guessed. When the feeling became positively hostile, Arien decided to introduce herself.
"Hello?" Arien said loudly, almost yelling.
Silence. She decided it was better try again.
"Fangorn? I am from the half-elves, or half-humans, as you please, and I was told you might know where the city of my kind is. Please?"
Hostility slowed down, to her greatest relief. Arien sensed something moving. There was something interfering, nevertheless. She heard a deep husky voice speaking from her backs.
"Oh, I never knew there was any of you little people still walking loose. How's your name, child?"
Arien turned slowly before answering, wide-eyed. Whenever she arrived at the place, Arien will surely be able to say she had seen the oddest things without lying. So that was an Ent. He looked like some bizarre crossover between humans and trees, more tree-like. His dark-green glittering eyes showing both wisdom and curiosity.
"My name is Arien. I am a renegade." She spoke simply, trusting he would understand. And he did. He - sort of - smiled at her.
"You are far, far away of where you are suppose to be, little child. I was left with the directions because there were plenty of you around here in the past. It was much before the Golden Lady came to Laurenindórinan, and the trees of our forests met in these days. Now the forest is growing smaller, and I haven't seen one of you for ages--"
Her stomach made a loud noise, interrupting the Ent's speech. Arien blushed deeply. And then, the tree-shepherd winked.
"Hungry, are you? Come to my place. We can discuss everything there. And I can give you something to drink, I think you are going to like it..."
Arien followed him, noticing the trees deviated for them to pass. He walked pretty fast, deeper and deeper into the heart of the forest. When they arrived, she let the horses loose to eat some grass and rest, and went into the house... of the oldest.
He gave her a vessel filled with rich, earthy water - that to her surprise made her feel very satisfied - and began to tell the child stories of her kind, when Malanna and some of his friends, tired of being kicked from one place to another (especially in such dangerous times...), have decided to put all renegades together in a magic city in where they'd be safe. He told her of how, for some centuries, several half-elves from basically everywhere went to Fangorn hidden in the shadows to ask information about Antar. And then, as the sun was setting, he told her how Arien do to get there.
Fangorn was right. Arien had taken the longer way- but then again, she wouldn't be able to travel in a straight line with the whole empire in the middle of the way. The elfling had to go east. Forever. It seemed like the trip would last for a good four months. Arien desperately needed to obtain supplies.
The plan was to cross the rivers again, go back to the bottom border of Greenwood the Great, then across the wasteland, where the wildmen tribes live, and cross the Rhûn sea, always eastwards. Then she'd find the mountains of Arneth.
"But Fangorn, I am lacking provisions. I am going to need some food. How could I get them?"
"There is a village of beornings not too far from your path. You could get some there. Do you have anything to negotiate?" he asked kindly. Arien thought with some awe that Fangorn was a romantic at heart, and that he sympathized with the renegades in more ways than one...
"Yes, I have some gold left¼ and a few gems.." Arien said as she put the rest of her wet clothes to dry at his cavern. He walked to a small waterfall and stood there, arms up.
"Where are your parents, child?"
"They are dead." Arien whispered. She heard thunder, and it began to rain, but not so violently as it had of late.
"I know what you feel like" he spoke softly, eyes filled with understanding. "Now rest a little, tomorrow I can show you the way."
"Night"
"Night"
Crossing was out of consideration, Arien decided grimly. It would break her neck.
Arien had no precise idea of time anymore. She could tell whether it was early June or late August. She felt content enough that she had made it- it was no small feat. Oddly, there was nothing but sand there. Maybe she should come closer. Fangorn had told her it was right after the Arneth Mountains. It must be around there somewhere.
And there it was. Antar. Arien could see it far away against the bleeding sky. Exotic trees, some animals running to their burrows before nightfall, and the top of the buildings, barely visible above the walls.
The elfling decided it was better camp for the night. She wanted to be fresh when she walks into Antar. Ilúvatar knows what she may find there.
She lied down in the grass, trying to realize what time of the year it was then. Roughly nine months of travelling, avoiding orcs, trolls, thieves, and elves. Funny to put the so-called 'goodie' ones among the most hated menaces of the free world.
Arien realized it was better get some sleep. She was rambling.
With herself.
The girl couldn't sleep well, as she was too agitated. But the animals got some rest, at least. It would be wonderful to sleep in a real bed, after so long. And take a real bath. And eat a proper meal. What would happen when she gets there, the child wondered, suddenly afraid. Would they put her under responsibility of the government or what? What laws, what costumes would they have?
There was a huge marble arch in a wide stonewall. She was only merely annoyed that she cannot see the city anymore, for the walls were tall indeed. However, it did feel as if it was a different wall- taller, maybe, or simply smoother¼ Arien was not very sure. The only thing she did know was that she was too confused to pass judgment. The elfling went to the gate and it opened.
She took a deep breath and urged the horses forward, entering a city as she'd never seen before.
A.N.: In the case you're not familiar with LoTR End of Second Age/beggining of Third Age geography, you have Greenwood the Great ( later known as Mirkwood) northeast, Laurenindórinan (later known as Lothlórien or Lórien) southwest and Imladris or Rivendell west. Between Rivendell and the others there was a huge mountain range, called the Misty Mountains in a wide vertical line. Between Greenwood and Laurenindórinan there is the Anduin, a huge, wide river. And between Laurenindórinan and Fangorn there is two rivers, the Anduin itself and the Entwash.
North to Mirkwood, you have the Grey Mountains, a little northeast, the lone mountain. Hope it helps you.