The Forgotten Ring

Disclaimer: All familiar characters of this story belong to the awesome world and works of JRR Tolkien, who is an unparalleled genius of this genre. All unfamiliar and original characters, animals and places are of my own invention. I do not derive any monies from this work and created this story solely out of the love and respect that I hold for all of the works related to this canon.

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The Forgotten Ring
by Sienna Dawn


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Chapter 15 - Of an Oracle

The sun had risen over Avonea and the rest of Middle Earth, and while the Palace staff was already stirring, Eridani and Haldir were on their way to discovering some new information he'd never known about.

Eridani had been surprised to learn, for example, that although Haldir had some knowledge about the end of the War of the Ring, some details were unknown to him. He explained to her that when he had been slain at the Battle for Helm's Deep, his spirit had travelled to the Halls of Mandos and there waited until the Valar returned him to life. By then all that was history to her had happened and he had not been a part of it. He had been re-deposited in the new Middle Earth with only his former memory, while most of his kin, like his brothers and Elrond, had lived through much of what had occurred. Consequently, very few people took pains in faithfully recording the events of the entire war. Because of this, Haldir had been given only bits and pieces as seen through the eyes of those who lived to tell it. He had attempted many times to piece everything together, but it had been almost impossible. What he needed was an unbiased and unbroken report of the events as they had unfolded, as well as the habits and origins of the creatures they had called Yrch. He hoped in this manner he could find a reason for the re-emergence of the Shadow in Middle Earth and its use of the Yrch. He confided to Eridani his suspicions that something had been overlooked in the War of the Ring and that the Valar had turned back the Wheel in an attempt to help them see what that was and finally drive the Shadow out of Middle Earth forever.

So, Eridani instructed him in the areas that he knew nothing of, corrected him whis iis information was in error, and provided to him some insight he had not had.

Throughout the morning, rangers and Captains entered the Archives, each seeking his counsel or approval. To all Haldir had listened attentively, asking questions here and there, making changes if warranted and praising or thanking his Captains and rangers. It was obvious to Eridani that Haldir had complete knowledge and command over the realm and this gave her a deep sense of security.

Of the earlier kisses they had shared, nothing was said. Eridani half-wished she had the courage to ask him why he had suddenly turned so cold toward her. But she didn't have the heart to hear what knewknew his words would be. And so she had decided to leave things be as they were. Better a friendship with Haldir than nothing at all.

By the time that most had broken their fast, Eridani and Haldir had yet to taste a morsel of food and by mid morning she ventured to the kitchens in search of a meal.

Haldir frowned, and was about to call for a Captain, but Eridani entered the Archives followed by two elves carrying trays laden with all manner of breads, fruits and cheese. Several large pitchers completed the fare. Placing the trays by a large window sill, the elves bowed and left.

Eridani ran to the trays and began to pinch the fruit. "I am famished" She selected a small purple fruit and plopped it in her mouth. She turned to him, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She crossed her arms and deliberately lowered her voice a full octave.

"Does not the proud Steward of Thalion Tirion need sustenance?" She placed her hands on her hips and pushed her belly out.

Haldir laughed heartily at her impression of the fussy Armadil, the elf in command of the Royal pantries, whose single role in life seemed to be to fatten anyone within fifty leagues of his kitchens.

In such a pose, Haldir did not fail to notice that the dark green riding outfit she wore suited her form perfectly. He normally did not pay attention to the dress of females, but in the past weeks he had become very aware of what Eridani wore. As he reached for some cheese and bread, his gaze travelled over her form and he decided that she looked extremely appealing. He suddenly remembered how good she had felt against him, and how sweet her lips had tasted. Shaking his head once, he placed the food on a smaller silver plate, and turned to see that she too had been admiring him.

Walking back, he sat and placed his long legs on the table. Watching her movements, he suddenly realized she seemed embarrassed over something. Pouring himself some water from one of the pitchers Eridani had placed before him, he sipped and contemplated her quietly. He noticed that her cheeks flushed red. He grinned inwardly. "So she knows I am watching." he thought. "Let's us see what happens when thee ise is caught!"

"Eridani, cannot you not hear me?" He sent his thought gently toward her and watched her covertly. He noticed her shoulders stiffened somewhat. Had she heard him? He was not certain if the elves of the reformed Middle Earth were able to use elfspeak. Haldir frowned as he broke off a piece of cheese and bit into it thoughtfully. But, he reasoned, Eridani had been born in Valinor. Surely the ancient elf skills would have survived in her bloodline.

As he sat back and observed Eridani, he felt a slight fluttering on the skirts of his consciousness and quite boldly he heard, "Yes, my Lord...I can."

Hisedised his eyes and found himself staring into calm chocolate brown orbs.

He drank deeply of the water and continued watching her. Her gaze was soft and somewhat moist. His breath caught in his chest.

"And what are you looking at, Sir?" She asked in a semi-serious tone.

Haldir was stunned and inwardly pleased. "Why, I am looking at you, my Lady." He finished the last of the water and sat the cup on the table. He sat back and continued to eat his meal, slowly aeisueisurely. Every once in a while he stole a glance at Eridani, only to find that she had been openly staring at one point.

He lowered his legs and sat up. Eridani began to speak and he glanced at her. Her face was flushed red and she seemed angry, "I am sorry, Lord Haldir. I was staring and that is rude." She also got up and turned away to place her plate on the tray.

Haldir arched an eyebrow and followed her, about to do the same, but instead he leaned toward her and said quietly, "You are welcome to look, my Lady." He pulled back and placed the plate on the tray. He noticed Eridani was staring at him again.

"No, it's that you are so different from the other elves of Thalion Tirion." Haldir shot her a quizzical glance. No, thought Eridani, that is not what I meant to say. She tried again.

"No, that is not right either." She sat down and placed her hands on her lap. "What I meant to say, Lord Haldir," and she gld atd at him while he walked back to his seat, "is that you are most extraordinary." Haldir's eyes lit up with a warm glow.

Oh, no! That's not right either, she thought desperately. She looked defeated.

Haldir chuckled quietly and said, "There is no need to explain, my Lady."

Clucking her tongue, Eridani narrowed her eyes at him. But she kept silent and decided to let him think what he desired.

By the time the sun was beginning to set over Avonea, Eridani's eyes were blurring and her back ached. She suspected that Haldir was as tired, but one would not think it just from watching him. At the moment, the object of her scrutiny had his head buried in an archaic First Age book of Oracles. Something seemed to have intrigued him. She wondered what. After all the information they had learned about the Orcs, she assumed that he'd take his leave of her and rush to confer with his Captains. But instead he had seemed to record the information for a later use, and wanted to cover a few more areas, all of which had to do with the smithing and forging of magic rings.

As much as she admired her people, she had to admit that intellectually he soared over the other elves she had known. Sitting back and cocking her head to one side she wondered if all the elves of the Old World had been like this. Of course, she knew her Cousin Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir, but she had been a child when her family had left Valinor and had practically no memory of them. All of the elves that had first travelled from Valinor to Middle Earth had stayed in Arda long enough to help re-build the elven realms and teach the younger ones. But when their work was done, all departed to Valinor. Only a few elves of the Old World remained. In the near two thousand years that the elves had returned to Middle Earth, things had changed drastically. Elven women were giving birth with more regularity, the ancient elven magics were almost all unknown and the high language of the Elves, such as Quenya, was only spoken by historians and scholars. She knew that in the former Middle Earth, elves were different, more restrained, and that the last recorded birth of an elven child had been Elrond's daughter, Arwen Evenstar, who had been almost 3,000 years old at the time of the War of the Ring. She hoped Haldir did not find her people to be quaint and rustic. Yet, judging from the way he treated everyone, she doubted this is how he felt.

Just then, Haldir raised his head and murmured something. Instantly, Eridani was intrigued. Had he found something?

"What is it?" She asked cautiously.

Haldir seemed to be calculating something and then turned his eyes toward her. She caught her breath. In the late afternoon light, just as twilight descended and the last rays of the sun trickled through the Archive windows, his hair looked like living gold. His lifeforce seem to glow somewhat brighter and he looked so exquisite that she felt her body beginning to react. Quickly she thought of something less stimulating.

Haldir, unware of Eridani's turmoil, turned to her and asked her, "How many rings were forged by the Elves?"

Eridani looked away quickly and counted. "In total, my Lord? Counting the Ring of Doom?"

Haldir nodded. "Yes, in total. All of the rings that were involved in Sauron's quest for control. How many?"

Eridani answered, "There were nine given to Men, seven to Dwarves, the one Sauron forged and the three Elven rings. That is a total of twenty rings." She waited for his reaction. She was sure now he had found something.

Haldir's beautiful mouth broke into a small smile. Eridani looked at him in amazement. He had found something, she was certain of it!

He turned to her and said, "This I know personally, that the rings given to men and dwarves were forged by elves at Sauron's direction, for it was he who taught the Elves the art of making magic rings. The three Rings of Power, wielded by the Lady Galadriel, the Lord Elrond and Mithrandir, were all forged in secret without Sauron's knowledge. It was when he forged the one ring and wore it that the Elves knew his intent and to foil him, removed their rings." He trailed off and walked to a window. Slowly, outside, the street lamps began to glow softly. Soon, Earendil would rise. He rubbed the back of his neck and was lost in thought.

Eridani did not understand. This was all history. Was there something else? "My Lord?" She rose and came to stand behind him.

Haldir turned, his voice was very steady. "Eridani, the Rings of Power were Nenya, the Ring of Adamant. Narya, the Red Ring of Fire. Vilya, the Sapphire Ring. Each ring commanded an element. Each ring had its own inherent power."

He looked down at her, and saw she still had not seen it. He continued, "Nenya, was given to the Lady Galadriel, and she commanded the element of Water. Do you remember what Galadriel's Mirror was made of?"

Eridani still did not understand, but was caught in the magic he wove. She answered with a single breath, "Water."

Haldir nodded, "Yes." He put his hands on her shoulders and his eyes burned into hers. "Think, now, Young One." his soft voice had lowered to a whisper, gentle and captivating, "Nanya, was the Ring of Red or also called the Ring of Fire, so one can assume that the ring Mithrandir wielded commanded the element of Fire." He recalled Legola's account of Mithrandir and his defiance of the Balrog, revealing himself to be a Servant of the Secret Fire. It was beginning to fit.

He looked back at Eridani, "The ring that Gil-galad passed to Lolronlrond was Vilya, the Ring of Sapphire and this Ring was also called the Ring of Air." He struggled to remember if Elrond had ever shown the power of command of this element, but he was uncertain. "Three Rings, each possessed of the ability to command an element, Water, Fire and Air. Bue ise is missing." He stared hard at Eridani.

Suddenly she understood. Oh, sweet Elbereth! It had been there before their eyes and no one had ever seen it! She gasped and put her hands over her heart. She stared in shock at Haldir.

"How could we have not seen this, Lord Haldir? How could we not?"

Haldir sighed, "I know not, dearest Lady. I know not." He closed his eyes. "And I fear there is more."

Hours later, Haldir's mind was numb and he knew he needed to rest, but dared not. Eridani still sat stunned at what he revealed. She looked at him again.

"This I do not understand, my Lord." He lifted his eyes to her, while marking with his finger the book he had been studying. The remnants of their supper lay before them and outside the stars had risen hours before.

Eridani began to think outloud. "If Celebrimbor and Mirdain forged three rings to command an element each, why not a fourth? Water, Fire and Air. Earth is missing. Why not forge one to command Earth?" Her brown eyes were tired.

Haldir frowned. "Who is to say they did not?" He turned back to his book and said, "In this book there is an entry that clearly records that the Dwarves had a an ancient memory that a ring was given to them by Celebrimbor before the seven were bestowed. Clearly another ring had been given to them, Eridani."

Eridani nodded, "Yes, that ring came to be known as the Ring of Thror, which was first given to Durin III during the Second Age, it was handed down to Thror who passed it to ThrainII. But when ThrainII went on the Quest of Erebor, he was captured and the Ring taken by Sauron."

Haldir shook his head. "As a warrior I never understood why ThrainII allowed himself to be captured, unless he had a very powerful reason for this." He closed his eyes in thought.

Eridani was checking references immediately, "Nay, that is not so, Lord Haldir. ThrainII did not allow himself to be captured, he was taken unwilling into Mordor." She attempted to hand the book to Haldir, but he looked at her without taking it.

"That information is incorrect." He stood and looked at the entry she pointed out.

"It was known to us in Lorien that ThrainII walked of his own free will into Mordor. Completely attired for battle. Why would he do this, Eridani?" He shook his head, but continued. She realized he was telling her a thing he personally knew. She watched his face as it took on a soft light, "At the time, my Lord Celeborn did not understand why ThrainII did this. It was folly to walk, a single dwarf, into such a stronghold. But now, because of what I know, I believe that ThrainII indeed had a plan."

He turned to Eridani. "One of the powers that the Rings possessed is to render its wearer invisible."

Eridani nodded. "Yes, but to wear the ring too often was to risk madness."

Haldir looked at Eridani, "But these are dwarves we speak of, melamin. Not elves or men. After thousands of years the rings seem to have made no impact on the dwarves, save perhaps make them greedier for gold and mithril."

Eridani nodded. This she had not considered.

Haldir went on, "Do you remember the tale of the Arkenstone?"

Eridani shook her head, "I do not believe so."

Haldir explained, "The Arkenstone was a jewel that was found by the dwarves within a region they called Erebor. Here they created their kingdom. It was found by ThrainI, the direct ancestor of the dwarf king who was to inherit one the seven of the Rings of Power, the very same dwarf king who walked willingly into Mordor."

Eridani was beginning to remember. "Yes, I think I remember now. The Arkenstone was a precious jewel to the dwarves and they believed it was the heart of their Mountain Kingdom." Haldir nodded. She went on, more certain that her memory was correct, "When it was stolen by a dragon, it was rescued by a Halfling, who returned it to the Dwarves." She frowned.

"But my Lord. The Arkenstone was buried with the dwarvish King Thorin Oakenshield, and was believed to rest with him beneath the Lonely Mountain! This could not have been the Ring of Power given to the Dwarves!"

Haldir nodded in agreement, "Yes, you are correct. The Arkenstone was not the ring of Power, buitheither was the Ring that Sauron believed he had taken from ThrainII." His eyes darkened in meaning.

Eridani frowned, trying to sort through all of it. When the realization hit her, she opened wide her eyes and her mouth. Haldir nodded in grim agreement.

"Oh, Holy Valar! The dwarves buried the ring of Power, the Fourth Ring, which commanded Earth, with King Thorin to foil Sauron! But it was the Arkenstone that ThrainII wore when he marched into Mordor." Her eyes welled with tears. "That poor, courageous, old dwarf." She turned luminous eyes toward Haldir, whose face was dark with worry.

"My Lord, do you think that he knew he did not bear a Ring of Power?"

Haldir raised his head and answered, "I believe he knew, melamin. But the Enemy did not. At least not at first. It was known to us that he endured terrible torture for several days before his body was thrown over the rampart walls." His face was still and solemn. Although the Elves and the Dwarves had had a unsteady relationship, no brave warrior deserved such a death. Silently, he saluted the spirit of the long dead dwarf King.

"So, when Sauron realized that the ring the dwarf had was not a Ring of Power, ThrainII was tortured so to find out the true ring's whereabouts, and when he told them nothing, he was killed." Eridani's heart was filled with rage and compassion.

Haldir nodded and slapped the table suddenly, a sound that startled Eridani. "Precisely. So the true ring of Thror was never lost, it was simply switched with another and the true ring buried where it would not be wielded. Very smart of the dwarves, actually." Haldir was impressed.

Eridani agreed, "Yes, especially when one takes into consideration that the Yrch were terrified of graves and ghosts. I wonder if Thorin him himself buried with some sort of curse affixed to prevent anyone from opening his tomb."

Haldir laughed at the thought. "My dear, you have no idea how accurate your suspicion is. No other people on Middle E pri prided themselves on hiding the obvious as did the Dwarves. Their secret doors were so secret that at times even they themselves forgot where the doors may be found." His eyes sparkled at the memory. Long had he and his sentries struggled to find the hidden Dwarf doors of Moria. And even the Prince Legolas had himself reported that the Dwarf Gimli had not known where the door to Moria was, and had not even known how to open it! Haldir smiled, remembering the look of exasperation on Legola's face as he told the tale.

Eridani stood up and stretched her back. Haldir watched her lazily. "Well, then what happened to the Arkenstone, my Lord? What is your thought at this?" She watched him take a deep breath.

"I seem to recall Mithrandir telling my Lord Celeborn that when he was trapped by Saruman at Orthanc, Saruman told him he had forged a ring of his own. At first we did not put much store in this, but now..." He looked at her.

Eridani sat down again and thought about stretching out on the long rectangular table. It looked comfortable enough. But she had a thought, "And so, Saruman found the Arkenstone and forged a new ring with it? His own ring? Why thus?"

But Haldir seemed to have considered this for he had an answer, "Mithrandir told us that when was imprisoned within Orthanc, Saruman asked to be called Saruman of Many Colors. One of the descriptions of the Arkenstone itself was that it shone in many colors. If a stone, born of the natural forces of Arda, was then used by a Wizard, such as Saruman, and forged into a magic ring, it could contain much power of its own. Certainly, perhaps enough power to counteract the lost Ring of Power which I believe was forged to command the element of Earth. What better way to counter a Ring that commands Earth, but another ring that was forged by the Earth itself?"

His words so shocked Eridani that she walked to his side, "My Lord, are you saying that Saruman knew of the existance of the other ring?"

Haldir nodded, "Possible. It seems he was an Istari skilled in smithing, forging and the creation of things. But he may not have known where the ring was hidden. He may have found the Arkenstone, and sought the fourth ring when he realized the One Ring was lost to him." Haldir frowned, lost in thought. Eridani allowed herself to lovingly run her eyes past his body. They came to rest on his face, so deep in thought, then to this eyes, blue and darkened in worry; and finally to his mouth. She reached and rubbed her lips in memory of the kisses he had given her. She wanted so many more....

A sudden memory also jolted Haldir and he looked to Eridani with alarm. Eridani quickly veiled her desire and looked at Haldir quizzically: "What is it, my Lord?"

"Eridani, one of the powers of the Rings was that it prolongued the life of the wearer!" He stood up, fatigue now forgotten and faced her. "Do you not see what this means?"

He came round to stand before her. "Mirathrandir and Galadriel were already immortal so the ring would not affect them, but think of Gollum. The ring prolongued his life by more than 500 years. It prolongued Bilbo Baggins' life too. It maintained the spirit of Sauron alive until he could take physical shape. As long as the ring was whole, his spirit still lived!"

Eridani's mind swirled in a mist of chaos and confusion. What Haldir was insinuating was impossible! She tried to make him see the folly of this line of thought, "But my lord, when Middle Earth was reformed, all things that were passed from being and were changed. Surely, the lost ring of Power, the ring of Earth, which may or may not have been buried with King Thorin of the Dwarves no longer exists. The Arkenstone no longer exists. Middle Earth was changed. All that was is not exactly the same again. Surely the Valar would have seen this and destroyed the rings!" Her eyes were so tired now.

But Haldir was adamant. "Then why was Middle Earth reformed, melamin? If the Valar could simply take the rings and destroy them none of the wars of Middle Earth would have happened. No one can wield the Rings and not be seduced by it. At least not elves or men. Or Wizards. Perhaps even the Valar are forbidden to wield them. I believe both rings, the forgotten Ring of Earth and Saruman's rinere ere not destroyed and are somewhere on Middle Earth, awaiting a new bearer. But the question is, who will wield the rings?"

Eridani shook her head. "This is too incomprehensible. If Saruman finds his ring, can he return to physical form?"

Haldir nodded, "Indeed, he knew the same foul craft as Sauron. If Sauron sought to possess the Ring of Doom so as to return to the world and escape the Void, then who is to say Saruman did not know the same magic? He was an Istari, after all.\s eys eyes looked distant for a moment. Then he looked at Eridani.

"Perhaps the Valar cannot destroy a magic they did not create, or it is the will of Illuvatar that the fate of these two rings be once and for all decided."

"Then why are there no Halflings and few Dwarves on Middle Earth now? Are they not the ones who are resistant to the rings' power?" countered Eridani.

Haldir's eyes were sad, "Because, my Lady, this is our story to end. It began with the elves and it must end with the elves. 'Twas the elves who first fashioned the rings of power, not Men or Dwarves. It would seem to me that a dark essence is still very much alive in this world for I have felt a Shadow growing in my mind and in my dreams. I believe this Shadow is Saruman, and he is seeking to return to physical shape. Once more he seeks a ring. But this time it is one he forged using the Arkenstone to focus his malice and which contains his spirit and will power. If he regains the ring, and can let loose his spirit free of the Arkenstone, then we are certainly doomed, for then he will most certainly seek the lost ring. And what power the Forgotten Ring may wield is still a mystery."

His words chilled her heart. She lifted weary eyes to him, and asked, "Then what do we do?"

Haldir's face was set. "We must find the rings first."

Eridani stook at the shock his words caused her. "Find the rings!" She crossed her arms. "And how do we do this? If Saruman, as you say, seeks the rings and has not found them, then how are we?" She was beginning to feel defeated by the sheer futility of the situation before them. What if all this was folly and nothing more?

"Only the Valar know, and by their grace shall we discover the path we are to follow. Of this I am certain." Haldir reassured her in a calm and confident voice, recalling Elrond's cryptic message to follow the Valar's will.

Soon enough they would discover what that would be.


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Author's Note:
Thanks for sticking with the story.
Hi Anais! Your question is a very good one. Without giving too much away, let me say this about humans and this story: Tolkien wrote, if memory serves me correctly, that when Arda was reshaped in the aftermath of the Second Song, the Children of Illuvatar would make together a wonderful new "song", ie, a new work, upon the world. In this story, this chapter illustrates what Haldir tells Eridani: the situation was created by the elves...ie the rings and their making...and it must be up to the elves to finally end the story. While Men fought and died in the Third Age, this new shadow is a remnant of what the elves had begun long before. It will become very evident what humans accomplished...but not toward the end of the story and I do hope you and all the readers are pleased with how the Children of Illuvatar will together work within the new world of the Second Song. :)

Suilad
Sienna