DISCLAIMER:
Before I begin, I would like to state that I do not claim to own the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story contains characters, places- an entire world which Tolkien created and which I have no rights to. This fanfiction is simply for fun, and is not to be sold for profit.
Thank you for deciding to giving my tale a try. Even if you only read some of it, I hope you are not disappointed. I can ask for no more than a willing heart. If you have any insights, comments, or complaints, please leave a review! It would mean so much to me.
Special thanks to my editor/advisor. (You know who you are. :D)
PROLOGUE:
In the Shadow of the Stars
TA 2940
It had been a long time since Gandalf had visited Rivendell. He was only there for a short while, but he intended to enjoy the waterfalls, night skies, and Elven song while he was there.
Most importantly, he was there to see Númeniel.
Gandalf enjoyed seeing her again. She was like a little sister to him, and few others could share the fraternal bond he had with her. She was quite different from the way she had been when he had first seen her. She had been a child when she had first come over the sea: nervous, small. But since she had gone to Lothlorien with Galadriel she had grown into an Elven princess, and the two rulers of Lothlorien cherished her as a second daughter. She had been raised well, and she had grown- she had a woman's stature now, but though her face was youthful, her eyes were wise and bright. Númeniel and Gandalf had been seeing each other more often in the last hundred years, for she helped him with his errands and tasks.
That evening, Gandalf met Númeniel at Elómin, which had always been her favorite place in Rivendell, even as a child. It was most beautiful at this time of night, when the sky was a dome of stars and the sound of the water from the nearby falls drifted over them. There was an intricately-carved wooden bench built on the grassy clearing, and the two Istari headed for it. A wide sky of bright stars stretched before them into eternity, and the meadows beyond were now silver in the light of the moon.
It was here, as they sat together on the bench, that Gandalf told Númeniel of the greatest thing on his mind: the Quest of Thorin Oakenshield.
The interest on Númeniel's face mingled with concern. "I am glad you gave Thorin the map," she said at last, "but it is a dangerous idea, Gandalf. Dragons are not to be played with."
"I know, but I see no other way. Thorin is bent on reclaiming that mountain. He is already gathering together a company of his finest warriors. I must confess, I was also sent to find the fourteenth member of the company, thirteen being an unlucky number." Gandalf cocked a bright eye at her, and she smiled gently. They often teased each other by being vague.
"Whom did you have in mind?" she queried.
"Ah, you'll have to see for yourself. I first have to convince him to come, of course. He's a gentle soul; lives far out West in Eriador. A Shire-folk. I think you'd like him."
"Are you bringing him here?" she asked, confusedly. "Because I will not remain here much longer, and Lothlorien is far south of Erebor…"
"I was hoping you could visit him. In fact, I was hoping you could be persuaded to tag along as well." Gandalf fiddled nervously with his hat. "Just for safety. Working with a dragon means burns and various scrapes of all sizes, and since you studied under Estë herself, I thought…"
He broke off as Númeniel stood and walked a few steps in the direction of the distant forest. "No, Mithrandir," she said. "I am not sure if I can."
"Why not?"
Númeniel looked away. "Despite my greatest efforts, dwarves do not trust me. Nor have they ever. I resemble the Eldar too much for their liking- I was adopted into the culture and kingdoms of the Eldar. In the eyes of the world, I am an Elf."
"It was you who urged me to give Thorin that map when Thráin first gave it to us," Gandalf said. "That alone speaks something about your character."
Númeniel remained silent, as if unconvinced.
"And Thror knew you, long ago," Gandalf added. "You were a close ally, even though you were a hidden one. You have walked in Erebor, on diplomatic business."
"Yes, before the gold lust took hold of the King." Her reply was soft. "Do you fail to remember how in the latter days he banished me, cursing my name among his people? He called me a witch, Gandalf- the child of a sorceress seeking only to control his great kingdom for the treasures within." She gave a half-smile. "I failed as an ambassador that day."
"But you assisted them after the dragon took Erebor," Gandalf argued. "The people of Lothlorien - your people - gave them food, supplies…."
"Thráin blamed me." She knelt and dug her fingers into the grass. "He said I could have prevented the dragon from attacking. Or at least healed Thror of his gold sickness, somehow. I know that most of his followers didn't agree with him, but… he still blamed me."
"He didn't seem to hold grudges in Dol Guldur."
"He probably didn't recognize me as the Akrâgnana."
"Well then, it's settled." Gandalf stood to join her. "You must regain your name and honor among the people of Durin."
"I have always been honored," she said, standing. "At least, in their tales and legends."
"Regardless, the Company needs a skilled healer. It is a magnificent opportunity to strengthen the ties between your kingdom and theirs."
Númeniel smiled skeptically. "Surely they have a healer of their own?"
"Oin? Oh, he's all right, as far as it goes, but he's deaf as a doorknob, and his sight might be going as well. Regardless, two healers will be much better than one." He lowered his voice. "I feel responsible for this Company, and I want their safety seen to. Especially that of the halfling. He is no warrior."
"Nor am I," Númeniel sighed, walking a few steps away. Her hair gleamed in the silver moonlight. "I cannot go unless you have absolute need of me, Mithrandir," she said at last. "It is not the dwarves' dislike of me alone: my gifts must be guarded. Should I be forced to use them along the way, it may spoil the secret we have all worked so long and hard to conceal. I am a sixth Istar and Maia of Estë, in an Elven hrondo… what the Enemy could do with that knowledge I do not wish to imagine."
"Of course," Gandalf said hastily, "I will not force you to do anything beyond your will."
She turned back to him and smiled. "My answer is not no," she said gently. "But it is not yes either. Give me time. My decision shall manifest itself."
Gandalf nodded and turned to go.
"Stay alert, Mithrandir," she called after him. "I hear that dwarves are a stubborn bunch. Working with them will take a great deal of patience."
Gandalf laughed. "I know." He turned away and muttered to himself: "That is partly why I'm bringing the Hobbit."
