Esmeralda, the Ear'Quessir.
Disclaimer: I own none of the real characters, just Esmeralda.
Chapter Two: The Request.
Esmeralda's POV
"Captain Esmeralda! We are fast approaching land! We will be there in an hours time!" I turned to see who was yelling up to me, breaking my concentration. I was standing in the crow's nest watching out over the sea. Oh surprise. I would have never guessed. Of course it was Bartholemew. I mean I understand he's my first mate but honestly, it was like he had to make up reasons to come stand in my presence. Sometimes I just wanted to smack him in the forehead and tell him to get outta here.
"Thank you Bartholemew. We will only be coming for provisions, no pilaging this trip. Spread this to all crew members. And tell them fast for if any of them cause a rucus, you'll get it? Rangwa?" (Understood?) I asked glaring down at him. I could already tell that we were nearing land, I didn't need that sad excuse for a pirate to tell me that. Honestly, I WAS the captain and all.
"Uma." (yes) With that the annoying curr went to tell the plan to all other members of my crew. I really need to remember to get a new first mate, he'll be the death of me one day. I looked back out over the ocean, glancing a the town in the distance. This town had a special meaning to me. It was the one were I first met young Aragorn son of Arathorn, around fifty years ago. I consider him one of my goods friends, like I do his adopted brothers, Elladan and Elohir. I always came to this town around fall, the time he was here last, hoping to catch some news that he was doing well. The townsfolk never knew anything new. But I always came, never failed. I hope this year he would be here to tell me how he fares, and how everyone in Rivendell is doing, for I long to know of my other kindred. A girl needs to hear some news of civilized elves, especially when she was out to sea with sea vermit all year.
" Lower the anchor. We have arrived." I slid down the ladder of the crows nest and jumped off the side of the ship on to the dock.
"Captain, where are we going tonight?" ERU! There he was again! I swear, I could murder him!
"Autmankeoio lle seas a're, tul're lye omentsinome." (Go wherever you please tonight, tomorrow we will meet here.) I said slowly walking towards my favorite pub. I knew where all the men would go. And I most definitly did not want to go there. Unfortunatly, neither did Bartholemew, who I was desperatly trying to get rid of.
" I think I shall stay with you tonight. I do not wish to join the others." Grrr...if only I could get away with it.
"Tereva. Khilamin. Nan' uumquen. (Fine. Follow me. But do not speak.) Amazingly, he kept his big mouth shut. Until we sat down in the bar. I supposed all good things must come to an end ay?
"Tanya edan tirlle Nikerym." (That man is watching you Captain). I followed Bartholemew's gaze to see a man wearing a black cloack over his shoulders with the hood up, smoking a pipe,watching me. I had indeed felt his presence when I walked in the door, but paid it no mind. Now all my attention was focused on him. There was something strangely familiar about the man, yet I could not place it. I swear he was smirking at me. Well I'm not one to let strangers smirk at me, he was gonna get what he deserved.
"Aminum autele mani ro mern." (I'm going to see what he wants) I said standing to leave.
"Aminum yassen lle." (I'm going with you) said Bartholemew standing to follow.
"TAMPA! Lle um erin sinome.Rangwa?" (Stop! You will remain here. Do you understand?") now he was really pissing me off.
"Uma."(Yes) he replied looking downfallen. Finally some peace from this whining fool.I turned back to the man, only to see his shoulders shaking from silent laughter. He must be able to speak Elvish, because he was the only one laughing, well he was about to pay. Did he know who he was laughing at? I stalked over to the man, and stopped right in front of him placing my hand on my hip.
"Can I help you with something, sir?" I glared at the man who only moved his feet off the stool they were resting upon.
"Tul. Hama ndu. Nae saian luume' Nikerym Esmeralda." (Come. Sit down. It has been too long Captain Emeralda.) replied the man indicating the stool his feet previously occupied.
"Amin sinta lle?" (Do I know you?) I asked warily watching the man for any indication of what he wanted.
"Lle um." (You do.)
" Mani naa essa en lle?" (What is your name?) I glanced forward to try and catch a glimps of his face, but he pulled his back realizing what I was doing.
"Aragorn." What, say that again? It can't be! Wait, it has to be. I saw that he was telling the truth as he removed his hood, and smirked back at me. Oh how I missed him! I jumped onto him giving him a hug.
" It has been too long Aragorn! What have you been up to?" I asked once I recovered my dignity.
"Aye, that it has Esme. I have been posted outside a town called the Shire, watching a particular halfling. Why I do not know. But that brings me to why I am here."
"And what is that?" I ask, noticing how much different he looked. The years had taken their toll on his once smooth and soft face. It was now replaced with weather hardened skin, complete with some stubble. His eyes were the same color, but held different emotions he didn't have fifty years ago.
"I have to come to ask you to follow through with you're promise."
"Oh? Which one? I have made many of those in my life."
"The one you promised the day I left, surely you remember?" Of course I remembered, I'm an elf, we never forget promises, or anything else for that matter.
"Aye, I do. So what would you have me do?"
"Join me in staking in out in Bree waiting for the said halfling to come through. And then to lead him to Rivendell."
"How do you know he's going through there? And why is he so important?"
"You do know Mirthandir do you not?" I nodded my head bidding him to continue. 'Well, he has given me information that the halfling will do so, and he is never wrong. As to why the halfling is important, it is because he carries a great burden. IT has been found once again." Automatically I knew of what he spoke of. The Ring, forged by Sauron, had been found. In the presence of a mere halfling none the less.
"Surely this can not be?" I aske, hoping against hope that he was kididng.
"But it is. So will you help me or not?"
"Of course I will. When do we leave?'
"As soon as possible. In the morning preferably, I know you must tell your crew of your decision. I suppose you will leave Bartholemew in charge while you are away?" he asked smirking at my glare for bringing him up. Damn, I'd forgotten about that little problem. I turned back to my table to find the dunce passed out. What a great mate. I swear.
"Aye, unfortunatly. I will probably return to a bunch of rubble, that being all thats left of my ship. Well, I will go now and tell him the plan, and I will meet you where in the morning?"
"Near the dock, I will have a horse and provisions ready for you. It is a two week journey from here to Bree."
"See you then, Estel." with that I walked back over to Bartholemew, and whacked him on the back of his head. "Dun lle nyano." (Get up rat.) "I need you to tell the crew that I'm leaving in the morning and I don't know when I shall return. You are in charge until that time. And yes, I know I will return. I will not leave my ship in the hands of the likes of you for very long. Now come, you must go gather the crew so that I may give out the final orders." He remained sitting there, stunned. "AUT!"(Go.) He jumped up and ran out like he had been branded. I turned and smirked at the laughing Aragorn. "Works Every time. See you in the morning Aragorn." With that I left to go see my ship one last time before I left on a journey, not knowing how long it would take.
Author's Note: Alright, second chapter. So tell me what you think! In the third chapter they will be in Bree. I'm gonna skip over the whole traveling stage. That wouldn't turn out right I know. Anyway reviews are loved. Flames are used to burn down my school. Thanks! P.S. All translations are rough ones! Not to be exact!