Anastasia and the plot are the only part of this which belongs to me. Everything else belongs to their respective owners; namely J.R.R. Tolkien.
Italics – Thoughts/Thinking
Italics underlined – Aragorn Thinking/Thoughts to Ana
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Chapter 18: Caution and Banquets
Anastasia
Curled under the thorny bush I dosed on and off, my senses alert as I succumbed to the desire for rest my body required. On the edges of my consciousness I could feel my nightmarish past waiting for me to completely drop over the edge into a realm where it can run rampant. I settled into a state of meditation focusing on my soft inhale and exhale, as I cleared my mind and chased 'him' off; knowing my subconscious would keep me alert to any dangers.
Inhale . . .
Exhale . . .
Inhale . . .
Exhale . . .
Slowly my mind and body relaxed as the sun vanished under the horizon and the nocturnal creatures came out to play. I began to lose track of time, but I was unconcerned as the birds would sing when the sun began to rise. Eventually the night settled into a familiar pattern as the Elves, humans, hobbits and other creatures of Rivendell settled down for the night.
In time I became aware that the birds were singing with the dawn of a new day. Lazily I opened my eyes, blinking a few times and noticed everything was glossy with dewdrops as it sparked in the sunlight. Leisurely moving, I nicked myself on a few thorns before I made it out from underneath the bush where I stretched my complaining muscles.
Ambling through the garden I found the stone bench with my borrowed clothing, now damp, still sitting there. Brushing up against the stone, I found it radiating heat and enticing me to enjoy. I perched myself on the bench my tail flicking back and forth in the morning sun as I waited for Rivendell to come alive.
Aragorn
There was still no sign of Ana and it was mid-morning with the sun blazing strong. Strolling through the gardens I tried to find some peace after the arduous conversation I had with Lord Elrond and Gandalf. They wanted to know everything possible about Ana.
They felt it was possible Ana was one of our enemies sent to retrieve the ring or kill me, even though the hobbits and I disagreed with them. Gandalf argued the hobbits were too trusting and that I was blinded by a damsel in need of help. Apparently an underfed female who changes into a large cat was in need of help, although she managed to save the hobbits from a vindictive tree single-handedly. Furthermore the fact we had some sort of connecting makes me bias in her favour.
Stalking through the garden I quickly halted as I stared into a pair of unforgiving golden eyes. After what felt like hours I managed to tear my gaze from hers. Rested on one of the benches found throughout the gardens was Ana in her feline form next to folded cloth. Back and forth her tail swayed as bug danced around her ear making it flicker. This creamed coloured cat with black spots, are they spots? They seem to be more like rings, stared back at me with a suggestion of amusement.
Ana
After metaphorically picking his jaw off the ground, Aragorn slowly approached me. Confusion swept through me before I remember that he has never seen this body. The only time he would have seen me was in the dark when the Nazgul attacked and then I was in the fight just a fast as I was kicked out, literally. Cautiously Aragorn moved the clothing and sat down beside me; remaining stiff rather than relaxing into the seat. Baffled, I tried to figure out why he was tenser then he should have been. Little by little, Aragorn's dream wormed its way into my head. In that dream, although I am in my humanoid form, I have my cat eyes and appear to attack him. That would leave the bravest of hearts shaken.
Leaning over I nudged his leg and then set my head on it, my eyes looking up at him. In time he started tracing the black markings of my body, mumbling something about my rings having spots.
Aragorn began talking after some time, "Gandalf has said that Frodo is recovering. They finally got the splinter of the Morgul blade out of his arm and he is healing nicely. Once he wakes there will be a feast," my ears perked at the mention of food, "with many important figures attending. Not just elves, but dwarves too."
After settling into a comfortable silence, my mine drifted back to the prospect of food . . .
Mhmmm . . . food.
Sitting near a dais at a table with Sam, Merry and Pippin as well as some others beings, a great feast sat before us and others in the Great home of Lord Elrond, a dark haired elf. Frodo sat with Gandalf, Elrond, Glorfindel and some other important, I'm assuming, figures. One had a long white beard, braided into two who spent most of his time speaking with Frodo, leaving very few opportunities for anyone to object. Aragorn was not in sight, but I doubted he had gone far as a constant hum emanated from everyone. The hobbits had given up on getting me to speak and I spent my time with one ear listening to the three hobbits talk and the other eavesdropping on the rest of the conversations around the room; my hand constantly keeping my mouth full
I was dressed in another light outfit. A floor length light green dress with long sleeves determined to make this banquet as difficult as possible tonight. After making another face at the sleeves, to the great amusement of the hobbits, Lord Elrond and a stunning, dark haired female elf gracefully stood and exited the room.
Those attending the feast followed after them to another room with a large fire place and many places to sit. 'This is the Hall of Fire,' Gandalf informed Frodo, 'Here you will hear many songs and tales – if you can keep awake.'1
Music began to fill the hall as more and more people filled the room. Frodo cried out to someone named Bilbo as he took off across the room with joy. After a brief conversation Lord Elrond sent off a few elves and Sam went over to join them. Cautiously I slinked about the room, unsure about the amount of people now about. Eventually I settled on an open window sill, my gaze sweeping over the room drinking in the delights of those enjoying themselves.
My gaze settled on Aragorn as he entered the hall. He walked across the room straight to where Frodo, Sam and Bilbo were sitting up against the far wall. As he passed he went un-noticed, even having to sand next to the hobbits for a few minutes before being noticed. After a brief conversation Bilbo and Aragorn moved off to a quiet corner to speak.
Sam shortly after fell asleep and Frodo was alone, in a sense. I swiftly moved towards him, avoiding the dwarf approaching me, in a way that gave the impression that I didn't notice him. I sat on the floor beside Frodo, where Bilbo had been previously, although my presence went overlooked.
I curled my knees into my chest with arms circling them and my head resting on my knees; losing myself into the music like those nearest. As the evening progresses Bilbo came to stand before the room his voice starting quiet, gaining in volume as he recited the verses. Sleepily I listened, as his chanting seemed to go on for quite a bit before quieting. An elf named Lindir mentioned something about sheep and a shepherd after asking to hear it again.
Frodo and Bilbo left leaving with an elven song gracing their exit. I sat there lost in the merrymaking of the elves until many had left including Sam. I spent the entirety of the time overlooked by all.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. London: Allen & Unwin, 1954. Print.
The quotes came from the chapters called Many Meetings1.
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