This is my first ever fanfiction, so if anyone reads this please review as I would love to hear what you think!
He stood on a cliff overlooking the sea, circling all around him were gulls calling as they flew through the air. Suddenly a bright light burst from the western horizon. Quickly his hand went in front of his eyes trying to protect them from the blinding brilliance. Then a sound as deep as the hills, louder than the waves thundering on the rock cliff, came from it seemed the sea itself then it was answered with another horn call from the west, from Valinor. What did it mean? He wondered as he overlooked the sea. Then from the sea itself something erupted from foaming water. It was a figure robed in white riding a white horse and it was galloping towards the shore as if part of crashing waves racing to the sand.
With a start Elrond woke up. Taking a deep breath and pulled himself back to reality. The air was filled with elves singing in the valley, a soft breath of wind rustled the leaves of the trees. Yet his mind was racing. What did this dream mean? Who was the figure on the white horse?
He stood up and strolled through one of the many beautiful gardens of Rivendell. Most of the flowers were in full bloom, filling the air with a soft aroma. It was peaceful. Elrond relaxed, what ever the vision foretold in seemed to be for good and not for evil.
In the Old Forest night was falling, causing shadows to form adding to the eerie atmosphere. The branches stretched over the twisted path like fingers ready to catch an unaware passerby - not that there were many. No one, especially not the hobbits, ever ventured into these woods having grown up with tales of trees of the Old Forest being unwelcoming.
Aragorn was patrolling the borders of the Shire, senses alert to any change, any sign of possible danger to the peaceful inhabitants of Hobbiton. None of the rangers liked this area with the uncomfortable feeling that the trees were watching your every move, waiting, silently ready to strike at the intruder in their realm. That was how it felt just now as Aragon stood undecided at a fork in the path as the trees loomed menacing above him.
All of a sudden the sound of singing came to the alert ears of the ranger, turning his head he listened before slipping silently into the shadows.
Singing at the top of his voice a merry looking man came prancing up the hill. He skipped and danced changing from song to cheerful whistling then back again in the sheer enjoyment of life and the glory of it. Even in the darkening light the colour of his cloths could still be clearly seen. His jacket was bright blue and he wore a yellow hat with a feather which bobbed merrily every time the strange man moved his head.
To Aragorn's surprise the man stopped directly opposite where he stood hidden in the shadows. He remembered being told by Gandalf of such a strange figure as this who remained unaffected by the change or evil of the world. 'Tom Bombadil' that was what Gandalf had called him.
By the looks of it Bombadil knew he was there so there was no use remaining hidden. Stepping out from the trees Aragorn was met with a big smile and a laugh from Bombadil, then with a skip and a jump the merry man proceeded up the twisting path beckoning for the ranger to follow.
Finally they came to the edge of the forest and on to the open country. Bombadil turned to the ranger his eyes still full of merriment.
"Do not enter the forest in darkness falls, to wander to and fro,
For the trees will catch you in there branches and never let you go."
"Thank you Master Bombadil, but it is my task to help protect this land from evil if I can." Aragorn answered.
Bombadil's eyes grew sober.
"Do not loose heart, do not back down or stray,
For king without a throne fate was gifted you this day.
When doom is at its nearest, victory will shine
Stand strong and brave be patient, give it time."
"How do you know who I am and of what to you speak?" Aragorn asked in surprise.
The merry man just smiled and looked up to the heavens shining with stars.
"I Tom Bombadil see the shining star
I Tom Bombadil know peace may not be far
In the west a star was born,
Just between the light of dusk and morn.
A bright star as white as sea foam,
A bright star born in its rightful home.
Evil shall be vanquished by that hand
And peace and prosperity will return to this land."
Bombadil looked back at Aragorn and laughed. The two bid farewell and Bombadil stood at the edge of the forest watching as the figure of the ranger disappeared from view. He tilted his head looking back up at the stars as they shimmered in the dark blue sky.
"The rivers they are singing a tune long unheard.
The trees they are whispering and so is the thrush bird.
The grasses and the sea have welcomed your birth.
The whole world is waiting for you to prove your worth.
Ride on, white star and shadow, ride into the night,
Let the stars accompany you, and be your guiding light."