Battle of the four kindreds.
By HuntressDiana.
Chapter one: The crossing of the sea.
A grey ship drew close to the land. The dark green sails were embroidered with a silver tree for a banner. Cirdain the shipwright stood at the prow, looking out towards the land longingly. His arm ceremonially rose and pointed towards the north. As soon as the gangplank hit the earth with a loud clatter that resounded clearly in the still air a great silver horse rose on its hind legs and pawed at the air. His rider urged him back on all fours and whispered soothing words into his ear. Wrapping the grey cloak tighter around their slim body, the rider urged the horse on. With a great leap, both horse and rider landed securely on the shore. With great, powerful strides, the rider cradled low over their steed's gracefully arched neck, the two sped into the silver-grey twilight.
At the edge of a beautiful wood of mallorn trees, with a small cluster of houses placed a stone's throw away from the nearest tree, the rider halted and threw back her hood. She led her mount over to a fresh flowing clear stream and left him there to rest. For her however, rest was further away, she crossed to the green curved door of the nearest house and softly knocked at the door.
An old man, small in stature, perhaps a head smaller than she, answered the summons, remarkably swiftly. He seemed surprised when his eyes fell upon her,
"Good evening." He greeted her politely neither the less. She sank into a small curtsey.
"Good evening sir. I am searching for some companions of my father who travelled across the Sundering Sea some fourteen winters ago. A company of five they were; two hobbits, one wizard and two elf lords."
"And you have found them." A new figure entered the small hallway, a younger man, also small in stature, dark haired and eyed, who bore a great resemblance to the older man. "We are the two hobbits of whom you have spoken. I am Frodo, son of Drogo and this is my uncle, Bilbo Baggins of the Shire." To both the hobbits' surprise she sank again into a deep curtsey.
"My Lords, I have travelled many leagues across Middle Earth to find you."
"To find us…" the younger hobbit began to speak, but his uncle interrupted him to usher their young guest inside.
"Come in, come in. The others you have been seeking are within, in the main parlour." She stepped inside willingly, out of the bitter night, for although the stars were bright and shining and she was well used to sleeping outside, a frost lay on the ground. As the hobbits led her into the main parlour the sound of talking came to her ears, along with the warm crackling sound of a fire. She passed under a low archway into the circle of chairs. The room became silent. Frodo turned to ask their guest her name and finally was able to see her clearly; she had thrown her grey cloak back, revealing a slim body clad in moss green. A sword was girt at her side on a belt of silver and leather and a quiver of arrows and bow hung on her back. She carried them with the unconscious air of one who is confident in weaponry. Her hair was long and dark and flowed straight down her back. Her face was beautiful, with the delicacy of elves but the warmth and plain strength of man, and lit with laughter. Excitement shone in her eyes and she stepped forward into the circle of the firelight.
"My Lord Frodo, Master Bilbo, Lord Gandalf the White and most wise Elrond halfelven," she sank into a curtsey as she greeted each, straightening she began to introduce herself and her errand, "I am the daughter of King Elessar of Gondor and Queen Arwen Undómiel." Exclamations rang out from the assembled company who rose from their seats instantly and greeted her in their turn, Elrond looked fondly down at her, for she resembled clearly Lùthien Tinùvinel of old and he knew how fond the dream of children had lain to his daughter's heart. Frodo spoke courteously, bowing in turn,
"Fair Lady, may we know your name and the reason you have searched for us?"
"My name is Atùvinel and I am also called Undómiel after my mother and far kindred Lùthien. My father bade me search for the Fellowship of the Ring and entreat them to return to Middle Earth and to Minas Tirith for he has great need of aid and wisdom." Gandalf rose from his seat again and leaning slightly on his oak staff, moved towards her.
"Why did he send you Lady? Why not a trusted messenger?"
"Because, my Lord, it is written in the lore of Gondor that only one of noble birth with knowledge of the lands can cross the Sea to the Havens and yet hope to return. My father could not spare Eldarion, my brother, so I was sent." She took the seat offered to her and leaned forward slightly, her eyes flickering between the companions; she spoke again after a brief pause, continuing with her story, "My father did not make the decision to send me easily or willingly. The parting was hard and neither did I leave with a light heart.
"Many score leagues I have travelled, over many countries. It was a score and ten weeks ago that I bade my parents and brother farewell and rode out from Minas Tirith, and I miss them greatly. But I send letters from any courier points we pass and receive few in return. Your kinsmen Masters Frodo and Bilbo bore news of my progress to my father when we parted." Frodo suddenly bent forward, eager for news.
"You visited the Shire?"
"Yes my Lord, five weeks past."
*End of chapter one! Well? Do you like? Please do review as the more reviews I get the quicker I write and post chapters. Either post a review here at ff.net or email me at Dianahunters@yahoo.co.uk. All reviews will be answered personally, but if I take sometime to answer don't worry, I will get around to it as soon as possible. If you like this let me know and I will put you on my mailing list which basically means I'll email you whenever I post a new chapter, either of this one or my 'Dark is Rising' story, 'The Six, the Three and the One.' Hey- go read that one too please, and review me!!!!!
HuntressDiana
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