"Aye, it was a couple months ago when Master Bilbo had turned eleventy-one. Now keep in mind that the Bagginses never fail to have extravagant and lively parties filled with lots of ale and food. The Bagginses family is quite a large one, naturally there was plenty of Hobbits there to wish dear Master Bilbo a 'Happy Birthday'! I'd say that it was the best party I've ever been to!" There was a nostalgic tone to Merry's voice as he recalled the celebration for the elderly Baggins. His eyes lit up his entire face with a matching grin gracing his features at his recollection.
Samwise chuckled suddenly and sent Merry and Pippin a light glare over the campfire, "Aye, it was a fantastic party until some dimwits decided to light Mister Gandalf's fireworks."
That had brought a round of chuckles from the Fellowship because it was in their knowledge that it was certainly something that the mischievous Hobbits would do. Frodo had even smiled in pure amusement and nudged his close friend with his elbow, "Remember their soot covered faces with their hair sticking in every way possible?"
"You have to admit, it was good." Merry slyly smirked at their teasing with a raise of his brow.
"You scared the bloody life out of everyone there, Merry!" Samwise scolded lightly before turning towards the other members of the Fellowship who was listening intently, "Aye, it was a large fire breathing dragon that came out of the firework. It looked quite real to me, if I do say so. The dragon had a fierce look in its eye as it soared low to the ground, so low that we all had to duck low to the ground. Scary it was!"
Pippin snickered at the recalling of their prank before winking at the unnerved Hobbit, "You must admit that it was a pretty good one, wasn't it?"
Samwise shook his head instantly while Frodo had to nod in agreement with light laughter.
"I do hope that you two learned a lesson from your little stunt, Meriadoc and Peregrin. Washing all of the party dishes was something very minor compared to what I had initially had in mind. It was in your stroke of luck that I was in a good mood that day." Sitting comfortably near the fire, Gandalf gave the two small Hobbits a pointed look of warning in his bright blue eyes.
Leaning closer to the Hobbits, the lone woman in the Fellowship shared a smirk on her face as she called out, "In the truth of his words, my uncle is a big softie when it comes to you Hobbits."
It seemed to come to naturally for the Hobbits to draw in attention with their lively story telling and jokes during their time in the Shire. It never failed to lift the heavy atmosphere surrounding the Fellowship and left them all chuckling in amusement of the small creatures. Days had grown repetitive of waking in the early hours of the morning before walking continuously all day with short breaks. The scenery was breathtaking to see the majestic mountains in the distance and the trees that stood tall and proud as they did for centuries.
Small chuckles came from Aragorn as he sat across the fire near the edge of their camp with a considerably lighter mood than he was in for the past several days. His eyes gazed across the Fellowship in careful watch as second in command in the company.
Merry and Pippin had taken to teasing Samwise for his lack of liveliness which was only because he preferred his introverted ways of peacefulness. It was all lighthearted teasing amongst them that induced chuckled from the much quieter Frodo. It relieved the company seeing that the Hobbit that carried the burden of the One Ring was indulging himself with light banter and laughter. Each one of the members of the company worried silently for Frodo because of the darkness that he carried that would have corrupted anyone else. With his bright blue eyes twinkling in amusement allowed his companions to sigh in relief.
The fiery Dwarf had taken to telling great tales of the battles that his race had partaken in. Naturally Gimli was biased upon telling his stories of the majestic warriors in the past, so his companions had to keep an open mind upon listening to his stories. It was amusing to see the Elf stiffen when he was listening to the egotistical Gimli tell his opinions and stories. Legolas constantly had to distract himself to prevent unnecessary arguments with a person he was forced to interact with everyday on this journey. He knew well enough to not argue with Gimli thus it was highly amusing to his companions to watch Legolas purse his lips in irritation.
Acting as if a grandfather would with his grandchildren, Gandalf often smiled and encouraged the company whilst smoking his pipe and stroking his beard. Occasionally the elderly wizard would tell stories of long ago during his long life that really intrigued the Fellowship. There was stories and legends of every race in Middle Earth that always had a mythical and magical sense to them. It gave a sense of comfort to all the members of the company in his presence.
Boromir of Gondor had been attempting to hide his bitterness during the journey due to not having his way in the council. Being on this journey and the presence of the woman was a constant reminder of it. He would send Nienna distrustful and hateful glances from her disrespect towards him and the fact that she was a magic wielder. All of these looks were ignored with grace and kept to herself to prevent arguments from arising. Boromir was forced to distract himself from his bitterness by focusing on the entertaining stories and lively Hobbits.
Nienna Ancalime was a particular one. Her background of whom she was was tangled with mystery and complexity. Violet eyes was the symbolic feature of the mystery that cloaked her alongside the beautiful staff she carried around. Every time that someone would attempt to interact with her, all Nienna would do was be curt with them. It was clear that she was gradually growing a little soft spot within her towards the four Hobbits. Eyes of the Fellowship would occasionally glance at her in wonder before diverting away quickly once her intense gaze caught theirs.
Aragorn was questioned by Legolas once of whom she was as he claimed of how curious this woman was. The lithe blond was none too pleased when a hearing that Aragorn hadn't much knowledge about her either. During his long Elven years of living, Legolas hadn't come across such a peculiar woman before. Being gentlemen in the presence of a woman, they felt obligated to assist her whenever possible. However Nienna was having none of it and was determined to do things independently.
An example of this is during the following day that the path of the Fellowship had encountered a very steep cliff to climb upwards to continue on. Many of the companions had difficulties climbing especially since some of them had to assist Bill the Pony up with ropes. Being gentlemen, Legolas and Aragorn had offered their hands in assistance towards Nienna. However she frowned at their hands before refusing.
"I appreciate the offer but it is unneeded."
"Please allow us to help you upwards, it is rather steep even for us."
Defiance flickered in her pretty violet eyes before Nienna brushed past them and begun climbing the steep cliff. With her staff digging into the ground, her free hand was clutching onto any leverage to assist her. Upon reaching the top, Nienna exhaled shortly and wrung out her sore hand before continuing onwards. All Legolas and Aragorn could do was shake their heads at her.
It was late the following evening and the stars littered the skies and were shining brightly when Legolas had found the magic wielder outside of their campsite. It had grown quite late and the males were wondering about the lady that had left shortly after finishing her designated chores. Nienna had traveled outwards near a small stream with the bright moonlight lighting her way. Her royal blue cloak was tucked snugly around her with her dark brown hair loose from her earlier plait and tumbled down to her waist in waves. Nienna nearly appeared untouchable in the glowing moonlight and the absolute peacefulness that surrounded her.
"Lady Nienna."
Legolas watched in hidden amusement at her visible jump at his sudden voice. Nienna blinded reached for her staff that laid at her side as she quickly whipped around. When her eyes locked onto his standing figure, she released a small sigh of relief before relaxing her tense body. Legolas wondered often at how one possesses such rare coloured eyes.
Nienna was quick to compose herself regally and tilted her head in acknowledgement, "Good evening, Prince Legolas."
His keen eyes was quick to notice that she had been rubbing her scratched hands. There was slightly bloodied scratches on her palms with the tips of her slender fingers were lightly bruised. Her pains were unvoiced to the Fellowship due to the fact that they would deem her weak if she voiced her pains. There was not any way that Nienna would allow them to deem her, a woman, weak over scratched hands.
"How are you feeling, My Lady?" The soft voice of his reached her ears pleasantly as he went to stand near where she was seated.
Nienna nodded curtly before answering politely, "I am quite fine, thank you."
Her violet eyes gazed silently at the reflections off of the gentle stream as she sat stiffly beside him. The peacefulness that she had felt had vanished by the presence of the blond. Nienna had made no movements to display her discomfort towards this.
Legolas pursed his lips at the barriers she built around herself. There was the fact that they have only met a week and a half ago and barely spoken a true conversation, yet they are both members of the Fellowship and should get along. It is beneficial for the survival of the Ring Bearer and themselves. That was his natural warrior side convincing himself to cover his curiosity towards the woman.
"Aragorn wishes that you return to the camp, Lady Nienna."
An irritation settled within her at his words and her mind raced unpleasantly. Violet eyes narrowed slightly upon the calm stream waters and she inhaled quietly. The moon was rising higher into the sky that indicated that it was growing late. It was obvious that it was the fact that she was a woman alone outsider the borders of their camp. No one pays the slightest attention to the fact that she is a natural born magic wielder that knew how to defend herself. The urge to defy their wishes was unbelievably strong despite her knowing that it was growing late.
It was clear to the Elf that there was something deeply unsettling that bothered this particular woman. Knowing it was not his place to pry into her life, Legolas offered her his hand of assistance, "Shall we return?"
In a sudden motion, Nienna turned her head to him and all defiance that stormed in her eyes vanished. Nothing was expressed on her face as all was covered in ice. Her lips were pursed and she straightened her posture before speaking, "How convenient. I was about to return anyways."
The woman grabbed her staff and stood to her feet gracefully. Her eyes displayed her emotions as her face did not. Anger and frustration swirled together in the depths of violet. Nienna tilted her head at Legolas before swiftly returning to the camp, leaving him standing with his hand still offered outwards. His eyes traced the path that she took with furrowed brows at her behaviour. One could walk these lands for thousands of years and not figure out this woman's behaviour.
No one had spoken a word of her behaviour as she returned to camp.
Violet eyes turned to her uncle to bid him a good night, only to find him enthralled by one of Frodo's stories. Exhaling softly, Nienna found herself at the edge of the camp away from the light of the small fire. Her mind and body was far too exhausted to bring out her bedroll and covered herself curled in the fabrics of her cloak.
Several days later the Fellowship was climbing upwards to follow their path, Gandalf and Nienna were busy with magic lessons.
These lessons were filled with historic magic and enchantments and whom created them. Words were confusing and lost to the others when they tried to cure their curiosity of magic. The amount of information hurt their minds and wondered how much of it did wizards have to remember. It was clear that it took a great deal of mental capacity and training to deal with these enchantments.
It left the two lively Hobbits restless and bored as they walked. Merry had a brilliant idea of practicing their sword play whilst walking. The sword clashing caught the attention of the others and it brought smiles to their faces. The two Hobbits were enthralled by the entire concept of sword fighting and wanted to hone their skills. Little did they know that they immensely lacked in skills at sword play. Amusement radiated off of the Fellowship as they watched over their shoulders at the young Hobbits. Boromir then took the initiative to take on the Hobbits under his watch for lessons.
"We shall begin our lessons during our next break, young Hobbits."
Rocks jutted upwards and large boulders were placed on top of the short mountain they were climbing. The sun shined proudly without any cloud barrier as a cooling breeze took place of the bitter winds. It lifted the spirits tremendously as they stopped for a cooling break. One lesson came to a finish as another started. Boromir had the two Hobbits standing in front of him as he gave instruction as to what they were doing. Merry and Pippin was absolutely eager to have an experienced fighter teaching them how to wield and fight with a sword.
The atmosphere was light and friendly which gave a sense of short peace.
"You should be careful, young lass, you don't want to fall from there." Gimli warned in caution as he watched her leap from one large boulder to the next. Her arms were out for balance as she relived childish moments in this time of peace. Her long hair was pulled into a high ponytail and swished whenever she jumped into the air.
Nienna didn't glance at him as she called out sassily, "I would not worry, Master Gimli, I do not fall from such small boulders."
Snickers erupted from those who have heard at the recollection of Gimli falling off of the small boulder just an hour before. His grunts and groans were laughable just as much as his calling out that it was on purpose, 'Do not worry everyone, that was completely on purpose!' His pride would not allow him to accept that he had fallen and neither would the woman, who had let out loud laughter. Her laughter was joyous which made the males listen to fully. Nienna felt a small twinge of guilt before assisting the Dwarf to his feet.
"Such sass is unneeded, lass." Gimli huffed in small irritation with a frown at his lips at the recall of his fall before turning away. In normal circumstances, it would be the Elf or himself giving sass to whomever initiated or deserved such a thing. The Dwarf was proud and stubborn which caused quite trouble for him but nothing he could not handle. Puffing out his chest and walked to stand near Gandalf, who was perched upon a boulder leisurely.
"If someone asks my opinion, which I say no one has not," Annoyance laced in his tone as he suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and gazed at Gandalf meaningfully, "We should go through the mines of Moria. My cousin, Balin, will give us a warm welcome."
"I will not risk going to Moria." Gandalf's tone was gravely low before his blue eyes flickered towards Nienna who was leaping onto another boulder. A pleasant look graced her face as she breathed the cooling air deeply in pure content. There was slight smile tugging on Gandalf's lips as he watched his peaceful niece. It went noticed by Gimli who sent her a glance filled with confusion.
A joyous laughter erupted out of Nienna upon the sight of the two Hobbits tackling Boromir down. The Man had accidentally gave Pippin a small cut that he is able to endure which caused the Hobbits to playfully avenge Pippin. Nienna egged the two hobbits on, much to the Man's expense, and nearly doubled over in laughter when Aragorn had been tackled too. He had attempted to be the responsible one and break apart the fight— only to be pulled in.
The woman had to jump down from her boulder to laugh freely. Troubles seem to be lifted the more she laughed. Nienna had her eyes closed and was holding her stomach joyfully from such deep laughter. The company briefly halted their movements to listen to the woman of placid nature laugh to her content. Laughter was contagious as it also brought chuckles and laughter from the others.
The peace and joy was shattered as Legolas called out in warning, "Crebain of Dunland!"
"Hide!"
The Fellowship hurried to frantically cover their path and belongings to prevent being seen by the birds of evil.
The spies grew larger in a swift pace which brought the company in a hurried panic to hide. Violet eyes snapped towards her staff that lay out of her immediate reach. Nienna went to race towards it and nearly gasped when it was grabbed by a pale hand. Another hand grasped around her wrist and pulled her towards the coverage underneath bushes. Her brows furrowed at being pulled along like a young child and pursed her lips at being cramped underneath a bush with an Elf.
Shrieking and caws from the birds of darkness pierced their ears before a wave of thunderous flapping of wings caught their ears.
Breaths were held as the birds flew close to the grounds that they were occupying just moments prior. Personal space was meaningless at a time such as this one and unnerved the woman so she had attempted to silently rip herself out of his grip. Her attempts were to no avail due to his strong grip on her. As discreetly as possible, Legolas tried to hide the brightness of the blue from her cloak from the birds' eyes by moving the excess fabrics behind them and gently off of her shoulders. It hadn't helped that Nienna wore a midnight blue tunic underneath her cloak. It momentarily slipped from his mind that she was a descendant of a Blue Wizard.
When the birds were flying off in the distance, it was only then did the Fellowship crawl out of their hiding places. Nienna frowned heavily at the Elf before straightening her clothes and stalking off to be near her uncle in a huff. Legolas only exhaled shortly at her behaviour towards him. He had saved the Fellowship from being seen by the bright blue woman.
Agreement had passed that the Fellowship shall take the mountain top pass.
I hope that this chapter was enjoyable to read. Please review this story for feedback whether it is positive or negative, it really helps me improve writing and get motivation! :)
