Chapter 10 Part 2 of Walking the Path
Disclaimer: Just a reminder I do not own any part of JK Rowling's or JRR Tolkien's great works. This piece of fiction garners neither profit nor claims ownership.
I realise that Tolkien purists will be getting their Middle Earth chronological charts out ready to bludgeon me to death. So to avoid death (or at least paper cuts) I wanted to place certain key events in this story into the canon sequence of events.
The events of the Hobbit have happened – prior to Harry arriving in Middle Earth. The dwarves have tried (and failed) to reoccupy Moria but instead of perishing with their fate unknown for several decades they were rescued.
Bilbo is for now enjoying life in the Shire with his 'ring' being used to avoid his unappealing relatives. With Mordor warded to contain Sauron's servants there is a watchful peace and the White Council has been revitalised and has spread its influence to more realms (Without Saruman subtly sabotaging their efforts).
Amidst this seemingly peaceful time, Kale/Pallando has taken leadership of the remaining sorcerers of Mordor and begun a campaign to achieve an unthinkable goal.
The events of Lord of the Rings have not yet begun and given the changes I've made they wouldn't be playing out the same way anyway.
I also must acknowledge that this chapter again diverges from canon – especially from the canon given in the Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, Lost Tales and the various other works based on the Elder days.
Last Time:
Looking up he considered the dead thing standing where it had died and with a gesture of dismissal he let it fall back to once more rest beneath the water.
He had been thwarted in his attempt to gain the sword, but that would not stop him. Middle Earth would be his and his treacherous brethren and the cursed wizards wouldn't see him coming.
oOoOo
Aman – Gardens of Lorien
Lorien paced his gardens seeking inspiration as he considered the unforeseen fate of Pallando and what could be done to avert disaster. Luna and Harry were working to better middle earth introducing new ideas and functioning as catalysts for change...the ripples caused by their intervention were like newly comprehended notes in the great song. Their skills made them perfect envoys to the people of Middle Earth First and Secondborn alike. All was going well in their original mission; the renegade Maia Sauron was contained. Saruman, the traitor, was paying for his failures in the Halls of Mandos.
Then an unforeseen danger arose, the Istari Pallando had found a way to overcome the limitations placed on his mortal avatar by the Valar when they tasked the Istari to oppose Sauron in Middle Earth. Now, with that corruption he came close to matching the power that he once had in the elder days and very close to being a match to Harry and Luna.
That he had tried to twist the prophecy of the final battle was worrying if doomed to failure but now it seemed he was taking a further step down the same dark path Melkor and then Sauron had taken. He sought lordship over Middle Earth.
As a Valar, he knew well just how much damage such evil might do before he could be stopped.
"My love?"
Lorien turned to see his mate Estë standing beside one of the ancient trees that overlooked a pristine pond of flowering water lilies. Her radiant beauty and the aura of peace that surrounded her calmed his troubled mind as she stepped forward to take his hand.
"You are troubled by events?"
"Indeed I am, Pallando's evil...the tainting of his powers...I fear that his madness will have him target our brethren. I have done what I can to warn Luna and she will spread the warning to those at most risk."
"What of the other's with Ainur blood?" asked Estë.
"Melian's line is as protected as it can be and the others will now be warned."
"And the renegades?"
Lorien's brow furrowed as he considered Estë's question, "I thought that we had decreed them lost and Mandor has not spoken of their fates."
"Melkor's servants perhaps but what of Melissë she never returned and I know she did not fall."
Lorien knew that Estë still held hope that her servant and friend remained somehow hidden away in the mortal lands. Melissë, the healer, had not been seen since the fall of Melkor. Even Eönwë and Ilmarë, the leaders of the Maia had long held that she had fallen afoul of the Melkor or one of his dark slaves and been destroyed.
"If she has survived the long ages in the middle lands who knows how events may have changed her."
oOoOo
Isengard
The warnings that Luna had received were being treated with due concern by the White Council. At the behest of Elrond and Galadriel there was to be another meeting to decide on what precautions were needed to hamper the dark wizards cause. All those on the council had been invited along with several leaders who did not yet sit on the council.
Maglor had pushed the council to extend invites to as many as they could. He had been adamant that it was an opportunity to build relationships with some of the smaller lords and leaders of peoples who had scant knowledge of the council. Even the Thain of the Shire, Ferumbras the 3rd had been invited. He had declined, but he had sent his cousin Barin of Long Cleeve a sturdy middle-aged hobbit blacksmith who had been 'magicid' to Isengard by none other than Gandalf the Wizard. The unflappable Barin had patted himself down and then downed a glass of wine before allowing the old wizard to introduce him to the council.
Perhaps the most important visitor as far as Harry was concerned had been Lud of the Brown River. Lud was a Dunlending Chieftain and an ally of Broca. He was a tall, balding man with a thick, dark beard. Lud had been fascinated by the 'alliance' between Broca and the council and had asked to meet the young wizard in Isengard.
Lud was the leader of one of the larger villages and although he was not particularly warlike anymore he had marched to war more than once against Rohan. Indeed, he knew both Éomund and Théoden by sight having faced them in the field.
Harry and Luna met with the two Chieftains privately where they discussed what might be gained by the Dunlending people if they could put aside their enmity with Rohan and work for the greater good.
Lud shook his head as Harry finished speaking, "They are fine words Harry of Isengard. But blood has been spilt, aye by both sides, and there are few among my people that haven't lost someone to the horsemen. I need more than fine words to sway my people. Most of what little we have is worthless to trade, we are fisherfolk and hunters."
Luna gestured toward the window, "Isengard is growing and one of our concerns is food. We don't have enough variety and what we don't grow we have to ship from Rohan. We would welcome whatever game and fish you could spare. In return, you get the goods you need. Isengard is an open land we have men, elves and dwarves here in our craft school. Your people would be welcome here just as Broca's people are."
"Just as the men of Rohan are?" asked Lud.
"Of course, but perhaps it would be better to show you of what we speak," said Luna.
Luna took Lud's arm and led him to the library as Broca and Harry followed behind.
Luna explained about the 'craft schools' and the student wizards who lived in the tower. As they entered the library, Brada cast her patronus sending a silvery shape flying around the room.
"Oh well done Brada," exclaimed Ayrica. "It's so much more defined now."
Lud stared at the Dunlending woman in shock as the patronus settled on her shoulder and dispersed in to silver motes of light.
"I agree well done Brada," offered Maglor from the other side of the room. "But let us pause and greet our guests."
Ayrica and Brada turned and saw their audience. Ayrica started to give a polite greeting when Brada laughed and ran three steps to hug the much larger Lud.
"Cousin! How …why are you here?
Lud seemed to gather his wits as he embraced Brada before holding her at arm's length, "by the river goddess you've grown girl."
"And you've grown fat and bald," countered Brada with a smile.
"Ha," grunted Lud. "Never could win a war of words with you Brada. I…I was surprised to when Broca told me you were here, but I never expected to see you as a sorcerer."
"A witch not a sorcerer," corrected Brada before turning to her father. "You could have told me."
"And ruin the surprise," said Broca.
"You've come to join the white council?" asked Brada.
Lud shrugged, "I've come to hear them out. I may not love the horsemen, but I like the black lands Lord and his orc's less. Now seemed like the right time, I never trusted Saruman, but your father's tale made it clear things have changed."
Brada nodded as her expression grew serious, "Then my respect for you grows apace cousin. Things are happening, things our people are ignorant of seek our destruction. Listening to the White Council's wisdom is the first step."
"We'll see," said Lud.
Brada nodded, "Come cousin let me introduce my friend and fellow student, Ayrica, daughter of Éomund. I don't know what my father has told you about Isengard but there are people from all over living and studying here now. I am a single student among many."
Ayrica smiled as Brada spoke, "Do not let Brada's modesty fool you Lord Lud. She has won renown as one of the defenders of Isengard and has ridden to battle with some mighty warriors. She is far from a simple anything."
Lud listened with a frown as Ayrica spoke, "To battle you say?"
Harry cleared his throat and stepped forward, "Three times now and while I am not happy that any of my folk has had to fight Brada has shown that she is intelligent and remarkably brave."
Brada blushed as Harry spoke but kept her eyes on Lud.
"I see, well she always was a fiery, hot tempered lass," said Lud with a slight smile.
Luna smiled at the exchange before clearing her throat, "Brada perhaps you and Ayrica could show our visitor the grounds and somewhat of what we do here before the council meets."
Once they had departed Harry leaned against the wall and smiled at his wife, "Nicely done."
Maglor laughed and sat on the edge of his desk, "Well-handled indeed. I think Brada and Ayrica will give our sceptical dunlending an education."
"We need more like him, leaders who are willing to listen. We have Gondor and Rohan but what of the rest? The men of Bree, Dale and Dunland, are but a small part of those that were not counted civilized by the surviving Dúnedain and thus ignored. Maglor has shown me texts that essentially name these men descendants of the House of Haleth, they should be welcomed in to the council not treated like savages. I too slew Dunlending Raiders when I arrived in Rohan. An act I regret now I know their history and how Saruman was manipulating them.""
Maglor sighed, "At this moment we can do little for the scattered tribes of hunters and fisherfolk that dwell in Eryn Vorn or wander the Southlands or the northern wastes," Maglor raised a hand seeing that Harry was about to protest. "I have said the same to Celeborn regarding his long lost elven clans that Alatar knew. We can send envoys and offer them warnings of what is to come, but we cannot 'save' them if they do not desire our help or trust us so little that they fear our friendship."
"It doesn't seem right," muttered Harry.
Maglor's wise eyes studied the young human born Maia, "I am glad that you feel so Harry. It gives me hope."
oOoOo
Broca gestured to the collection of smithies, "The first time I came here I was surprised by the different races living and working in Isengard. Now that I know Lord Harry better I understand that he honestly doesn't care about such things as race.."
Lud watched silently as a stocky bearded dwarf, a tall flaxen-haired elf and what he had first assumed was a child but was revealed to be a very short man-like figure debated the merits of some obscure tool the dwarf held. In the end, the small man took another tool from the rack and held it up for the others to consider.
"Lord Harry call's them trade schools, from what Brada tells me he hopes that craftsmen can come here and learn," explained Broca.
"To what end?" asked Lud with no little suspicion. To him, It sounded like the wizard Harry had plans yet unspoken.
"Strengthening the free peoples so if the time comes that we must fight then, we will be ready to stand together," Brada explained. "In his original land learning was far more formal and compulsory until you took up a trade. I think they are trying to build that here."
Lud shook his head as he tried to understand such an alien concept, "An odd notion."
"They do good work. My sword that you so admired was forged here." Broca gestured toward the tower, "I fear that if we don't look toward the future we will be left behind, more than we are now." The last was almost a whisper but both Lud and Brada heard it.
"And Brada being here, is that a part of your plan? She is what, a concubine, a plaything for the wizard" asked Lud. "And you're sending her off to battle was that to build an alliance?"
Brada turned to her cousin in anger, "Have you not been paying attention cousin?" she spat out. "I am here because it is the place for me. We are protecting everyone, not just Dunlendings, or elves and dwarves. The council is set against an Istar, who wants to be the new Sauron. We've stopped him so far, just in some cases, but we've done it. So no, I'm not part of some…scheme."
Lud opened his mouth to retort, but Brada had turned to her father who stepped back a pace in the face of her anger, "If you'll excuse me I'm going to find Théodred."
oOoOo
Théodred knew something was wrong when Brada turned up outside his door.
"Brada, what is the matter?
Brada stepped in to the room and slammed the door behind her before answering. "My father brought my cousin here and the…the fool tried to imply that my father sent me here solely as some sort of offering for an alliance to Harry."
"An offering?" asked Théodred with confusion evident
"A…a plaything for the wizard…how dare he!"
Around Brada, there was an almost visible aura as her magic surged with her emotions. Théodred was a brave man, but he could almost taste the magic in the air. If Brada really lost her temper what would happen? He needed to distract her and calm her down. Gathering his courage he stepped close and took her in his arms and kissed her on the lips.
Brada froze for a second and Théodred sensed her shock and began to pull back only for Brada to pull him closer and deepen the kiss. Her staff clattered to the floor as she lost herself in the moment.
Théodred almost groaned as Brada's hands caressed his back and he found his own hands slipping down to her hips. For a long, breathless, heated time they kissed before Théodred reluctantly broke off the kiss.
Looking down at Brada he saw that her anger had been replaced by a smouldering look that sent a pleasant shiver down his spine.
"We should stop," said Théodred.
"I don't want to," whispered Brada.
"Still…we should. Believe me I don't want to either but I'm not messing this up. This isn't some roll in the hay for me."
Brada stiffened for a moment before sighing and leaning against his chest, "You…you are right," she looked up at him and smiled. "You mean too much to me to give, to throw myself at you like this. I should go; we both have to prepare for the council meeting."
Théodred nodded and Brada kissed him on the cheek before summoning her staff from the floor and leaving.
The sound of a throat being cleared caused him to turn to see his uncle leaning against the door to the bedchamber.
"I see you forgot that I was here," said Éomund with a grin before his expression sobered. "Your father would be glad to see that his lessons stuck. It's not every young man that turns down such an offer."
"She means too much for me to take advantage of her."
Éomund studied his nephew for a few moments before smiling, "You did the right thing. Now let's get ready your father should arrive soon."
oOoOo
Théoden gestured for Éomund to sit as he poured them both cups of well-watered wine.
"So the wizards fear this Pallando has more devilry planned?"
"So Luna said, no doubt we'll hear more in the meeting," replied Éomund.
"What is the matter?" asked Théoden curiously. His old friend was not someone that usually beat around the bush.
"It may not be my place, my King," began Éomund.
Théoden raised an eyebrow, "What is it?"
"Théodred and Brada," replied Éomund.
"I see has anything untoward happened?" asked Théoden with a frown and narrowed eyes.
Éomund shook his head, "I think not, the prince has a good head on his shoulders but, well the relationship is deepening."
"Then he has decided to pursue this, I can understand the attraction. She's a brave, smart woman. The question is what we do now."
"Her father is here for the council meeting," offered Éomund.
Théoden gave Éomund a wry smile, "Can you imagine the look of Herfred's face when I announce this in court?"
Herfred was renowned for his dislike of the Dunlending people.
"So you intend to allow him to pursue her?" asked Éomund.
"You disapprove?"
Éomund shook his head, "Far from it, I think she'd grown to be a queen of renown, but the first steps may be a hard road, for both of them."
"Your lady wife agrees and suggests that I speak to Broca sooner rather than later."
"A wise lady my wife," said Éomund as he lifted his cup to his lips.
oOoOo
White Council Meeting
The White Council listened with a great deal of interest as first Gandalf and then Harry reported the current situation with Pallando and his followers. When they had finished Prince Imrahil stood to address the hall.
"I have little understanding of the magic's involved, but I understand that Pallando is a threat. Given his nature is the sword safe?"
"It has been hidden where Pallando will never lay hands on it," said Luna from her seat among the wizards of Isengard who sat as a group.
"That is good Lady Luna but in the last missive I received you mentioned that there might be other items that might be used in like fashion. Perhaps we could better guard such things if were more aware of the danger they pose."
Luna stood, "We are preparing a list of those we are aware of and we will pass that information on."
Galadriel stood as Luna sat, "I fear that Pallando's madness has yet to be fully revealed. The latest visions we have heard here of him seeking out the empowered is something so vile that I shudder as I try to comprehend it. We must all work toward thwarting any such evil. Sauron was bad enough, but Pallando could if his mad plan succeeded but an even greater danger.
I am unsure of how many of us truly understand how dangerous Pallando's madness is to everything on Arda. There were few in Middle Earth, save those scholars who have delved deeply in to these matters and those among the Firstborn that still dwell in these lands who lived through some of these events and the turmoil and upheaval that came with them.
Melkor whom we call Morgoth was one of the Valar, a being of almost inconceivable might unrivalled by any save perhaps for Lord Manwë, his brother. When he turned to evil he became a true threat to all creation. He demanded lordship, all was to be his. The tales of how he corrupted others, the beauty he destroyed and his other vile deeds are long and I will not repeat them all here. Let it suffice to say that it was from his hand that poured forth many of the evils that still plague the world.
In the end the Valar were forced to deal with him, so great had his threat become. The war of wrath changed the shape of Middle Earth but in the end Morgoth was utterly defeated. His vast hosts were scattered or destroyed. He was dragged forth from his fortress of Angbad bound with the chain Angainor and he was thrust through the Door of Night into the Timeless Void. There to stay forever trapped in the nothingness until the end of all things."
Galadriel looked around the room judging their comprehension before continuing, "I was there that day and I had hope that there might now be peace but alas it was not to be so. Only later did we discover that Sauron, Morgoth's lieutenant had survived and so corrupted was he that he sought to continue his master's work. Alas, that we did not fully see that Morgoth's corruption and lies planted long ago could not so easily be destroyed. We see another dark harvest. It is not just Elves and Men who were subject to his dark influence. Pallando is another in a long line of those who have fallen in to darkness."
Galadriel sighed and looked to Maglor, who stepped to her side.
"Lady Galadriel is right to name Pallando as a threat, he is. He was once a Maia and even limited as he is now we must remember he dwelt long in Aman where he had access to lore unknown to those in Middle Earth. We now know he travelled to Mordor and ferreted out the secrets that dark land held. Echoes of the lore of Morgoth. There is no doubt that he has knowledge of a prophecy spoken long ago by a seer. A true seer who spoke of a day the Door of Night would be opened and Morgoth would return to the world. His allies and the Valar would fight one final battle, the Dagor Dagorath, the battle of battles. At that time, Morgoth and his evils would be finally cast down even as the story of the world came to an end. The day of judgement would be at hand when the great song would be sung anew and the world remade as it should have been. I will not speak the full prophecy aloud as it is long and complicated, but the Sword of Turin was the sword named in the seers vision. It was the sword wielded by Turin that would kill Morgoth."
Elrond stepped forward, "This is the threat we face, a powerful madman. We will now hear from..."
In the council room, those gathered to represent their peoples exchanged glances as the planning began in earnest.
oOoOo
"I had not thought things were as grim as this," said Théoden as he walked with Éomund and Théodred. "I have listened to the reports but…this, now…well, I am not afraid to say that I will have trouble sleeping."
"It was a dark tale, but we are not powerless. We have the wizards and our alliances mean that we are stronger than we have been for generations," said Théodred.
"True my son, we are not yet beaten and I have no fear that in the end we shall prevail. But come we have later to ponder our enemies plans and our own. It has been too long since we have spoken of more important things," said Théoden with a smile on his face.
"More important things?" repeated Théodred.
"Yes indeed, I have been hearing reports that you have set your sights on the lovely Brada daughter or Broca."
Théodred stumbled on a cobble as he gaped at his father.
Théoden smiled, "Ah don't stand there all dumbfounded boy, makes you look like your wits are addled."
"I….I…where did you…"
"I'm not so old that I cannot see my son. You have been taught many lessons about your duty to Rohan, to our people. Not once have you fallen short when it mattered even though you have often aimed high. Now I must ask this and I want an honest reply. Are you courting Brada?"
Théodred stopped walking and ran a hand through his hair in agitation, "And if I am father, have I your blessing?"
Théoden had known that his son would answer so and he knew that his next words would rankle, "Not yet…hold thy anger, my son. I mean no disrespect to Brada but like your mother and I there will be political aspects to any courtship no matter if such is fair or not."
Théodred nodded unsure of his father's meaning but fearing that it would mean he would have to choose between duty and his growing affection for Brada.
"If you chose to court her then we must approach her father first. I have no desire to further sour relations between our people if I can avoid it."
"And if he consents?" asked Théodred.
"Then my son you have my blessing."
oOoOo
Lud cursed as he caught sight of Brada walking…no stalking across the entry hall toward him with a staff gripped tightly in her hand. His cousin had a wicked temper if riled and he knew his indelicate words had done just that. With a prayer to the gods, he straightened his back and waited for her wrath to descend on him.
"Just the kinsman I'm looking for," announced Brada as she reached him.
Lud hid a grimace at her cold tone.
"I want to know what you thought gave you the right to speak so to me, your kinswoman and daughter of your ally?"
"Brada…I, damn it I shouldn't have said it, I'm sorry."
"You think that makes matters right between us, if I was a man I'd call you out for your implication that I'm a whore!" hissed Brada.
Lud really did wince this time, "Your father may still."
Brada seemed to calm somewhat at those soft spoken words. "I don't doubt he's furious, but I doubt that he'd start a war. Not when he is working hard to improve our people's lot."
"Things are more complicated than I understood before your father's invitation. That these mighty Elves and Wizards are worried about their traitor is enough to worry me. Unlike many of our lords, I never had much belief in Saruman's words." Lud shrugged. "I don't like that we…our people might be at risk and yes I now understand Broca's decision to ally with the wizard and the horse lords. That doesn't mean I like it yet."
Brada studied Lud for a moment before nodding, "The king and his people have been nothing but respectful of me. Ayrica is of royal blood, but she treats me like a sister. Théodred is a…friend, maybe more, but he too respects me. I have earned my position here. I am a wizard of Isengard, a student to the Lord and Lady of Isengard and I will do my duty to them and to my people."
At that moment, Lud caught a glimpse of something in his cousin, something larger than her, larger than the White Council, a potential greatness.
"My Lady, please forgive my ill-chosen words."
"I believe he has learned his lesson Brada," said Luna as she walked forward. "I think your father is looking for you dear, so run along and I will escort your kinsman."
Brada nodded and disappeared around the corner.
"Come my Lord walk with me."
Lud nodded and followed as Luna walked toward the door to the grounds. In truth, the slight blond woman with her odd, ethereal look frightened him, more so than her husband. Given what he had heard in the council they were both Maiar, kin to the gods he looked to. She certainly looked the part more than her husband.
"She is a brave girl, our Brada and someone we have high hopes for once she leaves us Lord Lud," began Luna as she walked out in to the late afternoon sun. "She has proven herself and many in the White Council hold her in high regard."
"I can see that she has grown my Lady," replied Lud awkwardly unsure of what the Lady of Isengard wanted from him.
Luna smiled as if sensing his discomfort, "I am not from these lands, but I honestly feel for you people's plight. Your ancestors were dispossesed by the men of Rohan while the Númenóreans stood to the side treating you like savages. Did you know that your people are the direct descendants of the Edain. Indeed the Dunlending language can be traced back to that spoken by the people of Haleth?"
Lud didn't know what to say as Luna looked at him with a gentle smile on her face.
"I see you did not, ahh well perhaps one day when there are less lofty matters to deal with you can visit us here and Maglor can show you the records he has amassed over the centuries. Lud, I do understand your people's frustrations and indeed many of their grievances are valid, but there are two sides to this tale.
Your people raid, steal and kill claiming it just, how is that different from what the men of Rohan do? I make no judgment on your people. These things eventually have a dark life of their own. When you come to the tower, ask Maglor about the kinstrife between the elves; the darkest chapters of which we are still feeling the effects of today." Luna turned and studied Lud's face.
"We have reached a time when elves and men must put aside their grievances and work together because our enemy seeks dominance over everything and everyone. They relish death and destruction and should they prevail no one will be spared. This is what we work against, what Brada is a part of, what she has chosen to be a part of. Now if she chooses to let Prince Théodred seek her hand, then she does so as a woman who understands that now is a time of change. Do you understand?"
Lud nodded, "I do my Lady and I fear I owe my cousin a few more apologies."
Luna smiled and continued walking seemingly enjoying the fresh air, "Are you coming, we only have an hour or so till they serve refreshments and the Council starts up again."
"Of course my Lady," replied Lud. After all it wasn't that often that you walked with an immortal servant of the gods.
oOoOo
Broca took a sip of his wine, enjoying the fine elven vintage. Wine like many other luxuries were rarely available to his people and his own lands were ill-suited to grapes or indeed most other crops save some hardy grains and vegetables.
"It is a fine vintage is it not?" said Théoden. The King took a sip from his own glass.
"Not something I'd had before I had come to Isengard, the wizards must have a fine cellar."
Théoden smiled and selected a slice of apple from the tray on the small table by their chairs.
"You are worried about your son," stated Broca in a neutral tone.
The King of Rohan shook his head, "No, well at least not for the reasons I think you fear. Brada is a fine woman, a credit to you and your people. No, I am worried about any, shall we say accidents? That may happen before any formal agreement was reached. He wouldn't be the first man, prince or not with a child born before vows were exchanged. Théodred himself was a close run thing."
Broca stared at Théoden, open-mouthed, "I…you would approve a match between them?"
"Of course, their affections aside a betrothal between them would heal many old wounds. She is a strong woman, a wizard and already has won her own renown in battle and on the wizard's quest. She would make a fine queen should we be able to resolve our differences and reach an agreement."
Broca took another, larger sip of his wine and was surprised to see that his hand was not shaking. "I would have to have her consent and any dowry may take me time to…"
Théoden held up a hand to stop the Dunlending chieftain. "Given her place in the Tower I think we should also consult her Master but as for a dowry, well let's just say that I am sure we can reach a suitable agreement."
Broca sat back in his chair feeling a bit overwhelmed. He had not expected this, such a marriage would be a huge boon to his people. One that would much improve both their lot and their relationship with the other realms. All good things but there were still many things being left unsaid here…not the least being that Brada was his sole heir.
"If they wed and have children they would be heirs of both my people and yours…such a thing would be opposed by some of my people," warned Broca.
"There will be those who would oppose it in Rohan as well."
Broca relaxed slightly hearing the truth in Theoden's words, "Then let us talk it through before we seek our children's wisdom."
oOoOo
The rest of the Council had retired for the evening to eat and think on what they had heard and to plan for tomorrow session. The Wizards however had moved to the library.
"Will these plans stop him?" asked Radagast.
"We've stopped him exploiting the sword, but there are other similar if lesser items. I fear that we shall need to vigilant," replied Gandalf. "For all its notoriety and the stories around it, Turin's sword was less powerful than many others that were created later by Elven craftsmen. Also consider that you would likely need Turin or one of his kinsmen to be able to fulfil the prophecy. All of whom, save those that are almost countless generations removed now reside in the Halls of Mandos or have gone on to their final reward. Only Pallando would have a chance to corrupt it and so it will stay hidden. We must be vigilant and see that he has no way to gain a similar item. I almost fear to raise this but who might he target for their Fëa?"
Alatar looked at the others in the room, "Our order aside who else besides Harry and Luna are there still lingering in these lands?"
There is a Balrog unaccounted for," mused Gandalf. "I fear it still lingers in some forgotten place. It could be the focus of Pallando's sorcery."
Radgast stroked his matted beard, "Aye and there is the rumour of the Nyényë Heri…although I have never given it much credence…"
"Nyényë Heri?" asked Luna.
"The weeping lady, although around the middle lands she has been call Sirya Tári, the river queen. Among the men, especially those that stayed in middle earth when Númenor was founded there were legends of a spirit that dwelt in the rivers and streams. I had once thought that it might have been Melissë, a Maia who served Lady Estë. I remember her well she was a quiet, contemplative spirit lending her strength and healing to those she meet," Gandalf sighed as he searched his memories. "Ah, I remember her standing beside the great waterfalls. She moved unseen among elves and men in middle earth lending her strength to those she helped…. Alas, she disappeared in the war of wrath and her fate has been unknown these long years…I fear she was either corrupted by or destroyed by Morgoth."
"How would we know?" asked Alatar. "Even if she has turned from her tasks she may still dwell in these lands. She must be warned?"
"Perhaps, a location spell," suggested Luna.
Luna cast a location spell, but before she could get a sense of a direction she received a mental image of Tom Bombadil and Goldberry talking to a woman, her face obscured as she leant on a staff.
"Elrond will have to lead the council, we need to see Tom Bombadil."
oOoOo
Goldberry kissed Luna on the cheek and hugged Harry as Tom exchanged greetings with Gandalf and Radagast.
"Hum-ho-hum well as fine as it is to see old friends….I know some purpose brings you here other than seeing old Tom or his lady."
As Gandalf explained, Tom's expression lost some of its ever-present good humor as the Istari finished he sighed loudly and looked over at Goldberry. "Alas that he has fallen in to the darkness…to do such as he is now. Well there is scant chance he shall ever walk the right path again but we must hold hope and a song in our hearts if we are to turn him back."
"Turn him back!" exclaimed Radagast. "I think the evil that he has done much less what he seeks to do condemns him."
"I remember, Aiwendil when you first walked these lands, I was here before the river and the trees; Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn. He made paths before the Big People and saw the little People arriving. He was here before the Kings and the graves and the Barrow-wights. When the Elves passed westward, Tom was here already, before the seas were bent. He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless—before the Dark Lord came from Outside." Tom fell to silence for a moment before sighing, "Perhaps he has fallen like too many before him corrupted by Melkor's shadow but we must hold out hope for the light, friend of beasts. Ahh well, ho-hum de-dum T'is a sad thing and Goldberry and I will be vigilant. None shall pass through Tom's land with such ill intent."
Harry cleared his throat, "We are also seeking to warn others who may be at risk."
"Honestly Harry," complained Luna. "Iarwain Ben-adar we seek Nyényë Heri or Sirya Tári, a Maia once known as…"
"Melissë," said Tom before turning to look out the window.
"Come beloved we must tell them," said Goldberry. "She had foreseen this day."
Tom nodded sadly but said nothing.
Goldberry smiled sadly, "Melissë is my mother."
oOoOo
Gandalf opened his mouth to speak before closing it again after making an odd inarticulate noise.
"But how?" asked Radagast, such a momentous thing would surely have been known by the wise. Besides Harry and Luna, only Melian among the Maiar had born a child.
"My mother fell in love with an elf, a Noldor lord of the house on Fingolfin. He came across her as she stood beneath a waterfall in the forest…I am the child of that ill-fated union."
"Who was your father?" asked Luna sadly.
"I do not know, mother has never told me, save to say that he perished before his time when he marched to war against Morgroth leaving her with child, trapped in a mortal avatar until she bore me."
Tom stepped close and embraced Goldberry, who pressed her forehead against his seemingly taking strength from his presence before turning once more to her guests. "If you truly seek her I have the means, long unused to contact her, but I know not if she will answer as she travels far and wide."
Gandalf nodded, "I think we must speak to her if only to see for myself that she has survived her long exile from her kin." The Istari smiled, "Once more life has shown me the truth of the old axiom that there is always another road to walk down. A child of a Maia! My dear Goldberry, I knew you were a singular woman but this!"
oOoOo
Melissë appeared as a tall, dark haired elf maid, at least at first glance, but there was an odd otherness to her that was unusual even for a Maia.
Gandalf and Radagast stood silent as their fellow Maia approached them but before either Istari could speak she turned to Harry and Luna.
"So you are the heralds of the Valar, the seer and the warrior, owl and wolf. I have been waiting these long ages for you to appear. Often despairing and yet never quite giving up hope."
"You were expecting us?" asked Luna in surprise.
Melissë nodded, "Melian had a vision of the war of wrath and saw that I would have a role to play. Through the ages I have waited, gathering those that would help break the reign of evil started when Melkor first corrupted the great song."
"Ere she passed back over the sea to Aman we held council with those that had the power to stand against the dark. Irawin ben adir, the Ents and others that lingered still in the middle lands offered advice and help. When Goldberry grew to adulthood and her own powers began to develop she helped but her heart called her back to the rivers and quiet woodland streams. Eventually, she settled here and I began to travel. Far and wide in land unseen by either the first or second born I ventured seeking out what was needed."
"But how did you stay hidden?" asked Radagast.
"Melian," whispered Gandalf, "She was skilled at masking both herself and others."
Melissë smiled sadly at Gandalf, "Ah Olorin even now you see to the heart of the matter. Yes, Melian wove her magic about me that I might go unseen all these long years."
"What have you done Melissë, what great plan have you toiled on all these long years?" asked Harry.
"What was needful, go to the the ancient forest of Ered Luin. Beneath where the falls birth the river of Forlindon you will find our gift."
Luna studied the Maia sensing her weariness, "Will you not accompany us?"
Melissë shook her head sadly, "I am tired sister, weary and in need of healing. I have given much of myself, perhaps too much."
Luna pulled the taller woman in to an embrace before releasing her.
"Daughter I would speak to you," said Melissë.
Goldberry walked over and took her mother's arm. She did not seem to see the others in the room save Tom, who smiled sadly. The two of them walked outside in to woods.
Tom sighed loudly and stood before running his fingers through his beard and hair and placing his feathered hat on his head. "Old Tom had best be seeing to his lady."
"She means to just leave, after all this time." Radagast moved toward the door, but Gandalf simply shook his head. "Leave her old friend. I have no doubt that we could say anything that would ease her burdens or make her change her mind."
After some time, Tom returned alone, alarmingly sombre faced and lowered himself in to his chair.
'She's gone hasn't she?" asked Luna.
"Aye," said Tom. "She has been too long at her task. She needs rest and so she will return over the bent sea."
"How is Goldberry?" asked Harry.
Tom smiled sadly, "We have long known that this day would come. My lady will say her farewells and we will abide here… until we meet again." With a sigh, he shook his head as if to clear it and then began to sing softly to himself.
None of those in the room could hear his words but they all could feel a sense of calm, loving acceptance. Harry looked to Luna, who was watching wide-eyed as Tom's unique magic played around them. For a moment, it was if a vision of Melissë appeared before them as she walked weary but straight-backed through the mists.
Harry blinked as the vision faded, he looked to Tom's chair, but it was empty.
"No doubt he has spirited Goldberry away," offered Gandalf. "Perhaps we should leave them be."
"What of Melissë and her message?" asked Radagast.
"Melissë was no warrior, she was ever the healer of hurts so I doubt it is a weapon," mused Gandalf as his eyes grew distant. "She dwelled near the water and tended those beset by injury or those released from the Halls of Mandos and come again in to the living world. I would look for something along those lines."
"I have seen nothing of this in my visions. Could she truly have hidden from the sight of the Valar for this long?" asked Luna.
"There are ways and Melian was a master of them. I fear we have another journey ahead of us if we are to have our answers," replied Gandalf.
oOoOo
Ered Luin - Falls of White Rock
Gandalf's portkey deliver them to a clearing amid dense woodland. There was a fine mist everywhere from an impressive waterfall that plunged down into the river below.
"White rock falls," explained Gandalf. "Named for the white stone found here in mountains, quartz I believe. It's a pity we are not here at dawn when the play of light is spectacular. It has been too long since I last passed this way seeking a lost dwarven clan."
"She said beneath the falls did she not?" asked Luna.
"Aye, she did," admitted Radagast, who was peering at the base of the falls. "There is something there, a shadow beyond the water you can just make it out every few moments."
"Okay well we should be able to apparate there," said Harry.
A few moments later they were on a wide natural ledge that although wet from the spray seemed safe to stand on.
"Yes there is definitely a way through here; stairs have been cut in to the rock, they lead behind the falls." He looked around the rocky ledge and raised an eyebrow. "I wonder how Melissë got up here, it would be almost impossible to climb up with the waterfall," said Harry.
Gandalf looked down and nodded in agreement, "Maybe there is another way in. Shall we venture inside my friends?"
Everyone agreed and soon their staves were tipped with light spells for safety as they slowly descended the steps behind the curtain of water. The passage turned abruptly and then again.
"There is no way you could spot this by just looking. We knew something was here and it was hard enough," said Luna as they reached a cunningly made stone door.
"Dwarven-made I should think," said Gandalf.
"I wonder how it opens, there is no key hole," added Harry.
Luna pointed her staff at the door, "Alohomora." She smiled at her husband as the door swung open. "You're a wizard, Harry."
Harry rolled his eyes and stepped forward to peer inside.
"Wow."
The cave was huge and everywhere you could see there was carved stone pillars of exceptional beauty. Nearly every pillar held an odd lamp that glowed with faint silver light. In the center of the cave was a doorway. Grand stone pillars adorned with the likeness of nameless dwarves stood watch over nothing but stone.
Gandalf stepped forward and studied the doorway. "It has collapsed, as is obvious but if my directions are right, then it either led outside or to another lost cave system. My friends, I think we stand in what remains of the great Dwarven city of Belegost or at the least an outpost. Such a find…alas that such valiant dwarves were reduced to this. The lamps and the pillars must date back to the first age!"
"There is something here," said Luna from near the centre of the cave.
The others made their way to Luna, who was pointing at three large crystal blocks that had been partly hidden betwixt large boulders.
"There is script carved here, in elvish but of a style I have not seen such for many long years," said Gandalf as he leaned down to study the faint writing etched in to the crystal.
Luna held her staff closer as she studied the writing, "Here await the lost in healing sleep."
"The lost?" asked Harry.
Luna frowned before lowering her staff to nearly touch the crystal and with her staff held close they could see a shadowy shape within.
"There is someone entombed within!" exclaimed Radagast.
"Entombed…perhaps but Melissë was a healer and Melian was well versed in ancient lost lore," said Gandalf as he studied the shadowy shape. "I wonder…"
Without hesitation, he touched his staff to the crystal.