Hello to whom ever is reading this,
I am so sorry for not updating in literally an entire year. In my defense, I was looking back at Chapter one and noticed how terribly written it was. So, I spent the entire year editing every chapter to my liking and finally writing this one. I'll admit, it's shorter than I would have liked for an entire year of not updating but, I will attempt to update faster (it's pretty much a guaranteed fact).
Not much has changed in terms of content. Most of the changes are about her past and some things are explained better but, if you don't want to go back, it shouldn't make too much of a difference.
For a special guest who reviewed, I really wish you had an account so I could tell you this personally. I love the incredible suggestion that you gave. I had so much fun reading it and I wish I could put it into my story. Unfortunately, I was looking at what I had planned out and couldn't fit your character or story line in. However, I appreciate the effort you took to write that much and because of that, I plan on writing a sub-plot one-shot that will incorporate what you suggested. Haven't written it yet but, when it happens, I will provide the title and you can check it out.
This chapter is short, like I said and I'm not entirely pleased with it. It does create a big jump in the plot though so please put up with it the best you can (it is not worse than chapter two, I promise).
Anyways, for the loyal followers, I am truly sorry and I hope you keep reading.
For my new readers, I'm glad you like the story.
Let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Only my own character(s) and plot twists.
Hope you enjoy.
My eyes open with the grogginess of sleep as I feel someone gently shaking my uninjured shoulder, forcing me awake. Following the arm up, I instantly notice the concerned look on Boromir's face.
"Are you all right?" He asks. Sitting up, I notice the warm tear drops about to spill down my cheeks. I'm quick to bring my sleeve up and wipe them away, pretending not to notice.
"Yes, I'm fine." Ignoring his concern and my own thoughts. The grief from my dream threatening to reawaken as I sit and ponder.
"Are you sure? You don't look fine." The worry and attention this man is giving adds to my grim mood. It's unusual.
"Yes, I'm sure. Nothing more than a nightmare." I lie.
"Do you want to talk about it?" He asks as he lowers himself next to me, taking a seat. He's unnervingly close and I automatically edge myself away instinctively. His dimmers for a second at my slight hostility but then changes to an expression of understanding.
"You surprise me sometimes." He starts, not looking at me but ahead, at the hobbits who are sitting in a circle and eating some food. "I wonder why you are so easily frightened. Like a fawn sitting in the trees. At any disturbance it is so frightened that it acts out in any way possible." He looks at me, I stare at him, a bit annoyed at his skittish comparison but willing him to continue. "You try to give the appearance of someone who is strong or easily angered yet, you avoid people at all cost. Even amongst your friends. I doubt you even see us as your friends." The truth of his statement strikes a chord. "I wish you could trust us."
He looks down at me. "Come, you must be hungry. Let us forget our sorrows and eat."
The next few days were fairly uneventful. Most of the members spent their time alone or engaging in small chat. Aragorn was the most busy, preparing provisions for the next portion of the journey. He was also talking with the other elves a lot. Especially that one they call Haldir.
Boromir and I, on the other hand, use our time sparring against each other and training. I managed to borrow a sword from one of the elfs with much bartering and a promise to return it. Turns out, Boromir is very adaptable when it comes to weapons and weapon style, easily pointing out flaws in my technique. Throughout these days, I've starting to pick it up again, flowing more smoothly, reacting rather than thinking. I do have to say that I am impressed with his abilities yet, I don't think I'm supposed to expect any less from the steward's son.
"You've improved." He says as we both catch our breaths from the days worth of practice. "We should find you a sword. Or at least a close combat weapon. I noticed you don't have your dagger anymore."
"The blade had gotten me through a lot... But yes, I suppose I will be needing a replacement." I say with the hint of a smile. Boromir mirrors my expression, much to my own confusion.
"Nice to see you smile for a change."
"Won't see it often." I retort immediately.
Boromir sheathes his weapon and walks over to me as I do the same with my own. Clapping me on the back, we start to walk over to where everyone has their stuff laid out.
"You have the skills, you just need to practice." He says with a small laugh. I stop in my tracks.
"Is something wrong?" He asks. Yes, something is wrong.
"No, nothing. Just a memory. That's all."
"A good one I should hope."
"Yeah.."
The night grows stronger and I find myself more restless than usual. The fellowship have all settled down and are preparing to rest. Boromir sits himself next to me before lying down on the dirt, turning away and falling asleep. He goes through so much trouble to get through my barrier. All I can do is wonder why. Staring at the large trees and the stars, I also wait for sleep to take me. I know it is futile. Tonight will be a restless night.
After a long while, I hear what is barely a footstep walking in the distance. Lazily, I turn my gaze over to see a very transfixed halfling walking down stone steps, disappearing below. I let out a small breath and look back at the sea of stars. What ever kind of trouble that halfling is about to get himself into, it is none of my business until I hear screaming or something of the sort. I'd rather spend this peaceful moment relaxing than dealing with other people's problems.
I close my eyes, letting the calm breeze pass over me. The dirt and leaves underneath sinking me into a better place.
Pain. Blinding fire rips through my arm and I almost cry, gripping my arm tightly. I feel it explode with a new kind of burning sensation. Doubling over, I'm on my hands and knees as it burns into the rest of my body. I try to breath. I can't think. What the hell is happening? Vibrant colours start to dance across vision. The black borders seep closer to the center and I know I won't last long. I can feel myself shaking, tears threatening to drip and my stomach trying to make me heave. Stay awake.
Nothing. Suddenly, all of the pain disappears and I am left holding a bunch of crunched leaves and dirt in both hands, staring at the ground. A wave of exhaustion climbs over me and I collapse on my side, controlling my ragged breathing as my eyes close.
When my eyes open, I see nothing but darkness and the blue glow from the moon or a light in the distance. The night is young.
A woman's foot from afar from enters my view. Curiously, I sit up, looking upon the woman in white with hair like gold flowing down her elegant form. She beckons me to follow.
As I rise, I sway and take a moment to steady myself. Evidently still not fully recovered from what happened before. I follow the lady. Careful not to wake my companions the mysterious woman guides me.
Down the stone steps I am at a hollow in the ground. A perfect circle. The lady watches as I come closer to the stone altar in the center. Elegant designs lacing up to a metal bowl placed in the center. I stand in front of the bowl. Watching. Waiting.
"Will you look in the mirror?" She asks. Her smooth voice reveals that she is the woman of my mind. She collects water into a silver jug, of similar design to that of the basin.
"What will I see?" I quietly ask in return. The faint beginnings of a smile plays on her pure lips.
"Even the wisest cannot tell for the mirror shows many things. Things that were. Things that are. And some things that have not yet come to pass." She pours the water into the basin. Not a drop spilling.
I walk up the steps to the pedestal and focus on the surface of the crystal water. All I can see is the night sky peering from behind my mesmerized expression.
The image changes. A tall man stands before a large open door. Behind it, the silhouette of a person. The door shuts. The tall man reappears in a forest smiling. It's my father. The image morphs again. People are in a valley. Men and woman alike. The place is dry. They scream with outstretched hands towards me. I am above them holding a bucket of water. I drink it for myself. I am seated on a bed. The numbers on my arm count down to zero. One soul short of one thousand in my arm. I fall back on the bed, eyes closed. Blood contrasts white. A single tree on a hill. Bright and green. The sun passes over and down. Cycling the days by the tree changes. Orange. Red. Brown. Dead.
Jerking my head up, I breath deeply as the lately stares at me intently. What did I just see? My eyes are wide with alarm. I stare back at the lady.
"I know what it is you saw... for it is also in my mind. It is the future, Tamber. It is what will come to pass if you should fail."
"If I should fail in doing what?"
"You know what it is I speak of." The realization dawns on me. I need to kill one thousand people before the age of twenty. If I fail...
I'm sick with horror as my knees give out from underneath. Everything dissolves into darkness.
Thank you for reading.
Finally we get the main objective across. Yay!
Let me know what you think of the idea. Any suggestions or comments are always welcome. Hate comments are welcome (only for this chapter seeing as how I didn't update for a year) though, constructive criticism is preferred.
Thank you for sticking with this story and waiting an entire year.
Now things get interesting so I encourage you follow and keep reading.
~Nighthief