The Forgotten Ring
folder
Lord of the Rings Movies › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
51
Views:
5,115
Reviews:
17
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Lord of the Rings Movies › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
51
Views:
5,115
Reviews:
17
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings book series and movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
The Moon Beasts of Asto Nuut
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 16 - The Moon Beasts of Asto Nuut
"On a dusty plain, whereabouts unknown,
'Neath storm clouds under a paling sun
High atop a Moon Beast rides He whom I call of old,
"Beast of Legend", eyes sparkling clear and gold."
Two Weeks after the discovery in the Archives of Avonea (April 19)....
The sun had set and the stars shone above the Plains of Asto Nuut.
Here, in this dusty desert bowl, a land of sand and dunes, where only the hardiest survived, there nursed a young Moon Beast. Her child was only a few hours old and she looked at it with love and pride. He would make a fine addition to the herd and in his time would take his place amongst the males. The mother's golden eyes glowed and her furred body purred with contentment. From somewhere inside her a small tune began to form and she felt the need to sing.
Shrill notes, not unlike a high pitched and out of tune flute, began to come from the depths of the Mother Moon Beast and soon her suckling child was asleep.
She contemplated the twinkling stars above her head, her thoughts lost within the million sparkling gems in the heaven. Suddenly she gave a lurch and thought she'd remembered something important. Her child moaned his disatisfaction but quickly settled back into a peaceful slumber.
The Mother Moon Beast closed her golden eyes and thought back. What was it about the gems that were so imporant? She tried to think back but it was useless. Some Moon Beasts possessed little memories except for where to find good food and shelter. Although they possessed intelligence that far surpassed other animals, and when they wished it, the gift of speech, most Moon Beasts passed much of their time telling each other tales of the Great Before, or eating and sleeping. For now she settled herself down to sleep, keeping an eye on the wandering little star high above her head.
Ten leagues south from the Plains, soaring high above a group of mallorn saplings, an elven Ryder and his Eagle dipped once in signal to the trackers below and turned north toward Avonea. Meanwhile on land, a group of three elven trackers kept a tight vigil on the Moon Beast.
They had no idea what they had discovered, but they were certain nothing like this animal was known to them. They had watched the beast carefully for three days and nights and felt they had enought information about it to take back to the Steward of Thalion Tirion.
Back on the Plains of Asto Nuut, Earendil rose and the Moon Beasts slumbered peacefully, unwares that their quiet world was soon to be invaded.
The Eagle made good time back to Avonea. Haldir, Eridani and the region Commanders listened attentively to the descriptions of the animal they had found. And although no one had said anything at the time, everyone knew that something important had been discovered.
Ever since she had helped him discover the mystery of the rings, the lost Arkenstone and the missing Fourth Ring of Power, Eridani had sat in all of the reports coming back from the borders. Her insight combined with her knowledge of the Ancient History of their people and of Middle Earth was beginning to prove invaluable to Haldir. He had come to respect her opinion.
As they listened, Haldir was nagged by a vague memory about the descriptions of the creatures the trackers had found. He tried to remember as he listened to the reports....what was it? Impossible, his mind refused to give him the answer.
Eridani had thought perhaps they may be related to the wargs of the Old World, but Haldir had shaken his head in disagreement,
"No, wargs would not have been peacefully resting under the stars. They were creatures of shadow." He had looked over at Eridani who had not seemed very impressed.
"But remember, my Lord, that all life forms on Middle Earth were re-shaped."
Still, Haldir was not convinced.
Several hours later, when the sun was setting, a decision was finally reached and Haldir was not pleased with the outcome although he had to accept that the plan at hand was indeed the most logical alternative
Having spent his entire adult life as a warrior, Haldir was unaccustomed to the passive role he was being forced to play. He was used to taking the lead, being in the front lines, taking the same risks as every other elf out on patrol. Thus, he found it almost impossible to accept the decision his Commanders and Eridani came to, but he eventually yielded with grace, although his mind pounded in alarm.
"I need you here," he had told her. "I need you to keep track of the news reported back."
But Eridani had been implacable and his Commanders supported her logic. She was the most obvious choice to travel to Asto Nuut.
"My Lord, perhaps this is the sign we have been waiting for." Her eyes had widened in meaning.
Just now he half sat on a low bench in the receiving chamber lost in thought, while his Captains plotted the quickest route to Asto Nuut. He knew that it was unavoidable. Eridani had been trained in self defense and many other arts, such as swordsmanship, archery, riding and more. It was usually so with elven maidens of high rank. But just because it had always been done this way did not mean he liked it. In fact, he loathed the idea of letting her go at all. He wanted her close to him, safe in the net of his love.
And yet, someone would have to go and see what this was all about and she was by far the best choice. After all was she not the one person, outside of Elrond, who knew most about Middle Earth, its history, its people and creatures? He arched a golden eyebrow...nay, he pondered. He did not think Elrond would agree to go in Eridani's stead.
His eyes drifted to her. Bright and alert, her lifeforce pulsing, he could see its glow as it hugged her body. His chest heaved in a deep sigh and he stood, walking over to the others. Perhaps, as Eridani had said earlier, this was a sign from the Valar, a path they were being shown in the quest for the rings. He sighed silently, still uncertain.
There was naught for it. She woulde toe to go. She would be his eyes, ears and mouth. He needed to know if these were creatures of the Old Word, the wargs that Eridani suspected, or something altogether different and new.
And so arrangements were made for Eridani and a small group of his best trackers to accompany her. He reasoned they would be back, Valar-willing, safe and hale, within 15 days at the utmost. They would have to travel by horseback and later on foot. He could spare no Eagles for them. In the meantime, reports coming back from the interior of Thalion Tirion were encouraging. No sign of Orch activity anywhere. Elrond's guards were camped at the mouth of the Uile and would attack at first sight of Orch. Word from the dwarves had not yet reached him, but he thought that the odds for their joining them was good. Messengers had been sent to the realms of Men, but Haldir suspected that they may not take the threat as seriously and waste valuable time deciding. He had doubled the sentries and guards at all borders. Eagle Ryders were keeping watch from high aloft. No one was going to gain entry into the Realm of Thalion Tirion without his knowledge. Also, important routes for escape from cities and villages had been carefully made and many outland villages were already emptying out, beginning a small migration of elves into Avonea.
Looking over last minute changes to a few sentry postings, his eyes drifed to Eridani. She felt his eyes on her face and lifted them over the bent heads of the Commanders. She found his eyes. For a long moment they stared at one another, each trying to convey the feelings of their hearts. Both knew this may be goodbye for good and neither was willing to accept the possibility. Their connection was broken when a voice intruded.
"Everything is ready, my Lord. Best to leave come sunset tomorrow. Rest by day, travel by night" It was Tamarcil, who was slowly emerging as one of Haldir's most trusted Commanders. "Here is the list we suggest." He handed Haldir a list of names, which he quickly recognized was a selection of their best trackers and archers. He made his choice and walked away from them. Soon he was unable to concentrate and turned away from the elves, crossing the great hall to an open window which overlooked a small garden.
When at last Haldir turned away from the window, he realized he was alone, except for Eridani, who stood waiting. Her eyes were luminous, wide and resolute.
"I will not fail you, my Lord."
Haldir smiled. Is that what she thought? That he was opposed to her because he doubted her abilities? Looking at her, memories of sweet kisses shared clouded his mind. He did not like this weakness and knew he had to get control over it or it would control him.
His eyes warmed. "I know this. But my heart tells me that there is something we are not seeing, my Lady, and it makes me uneasy. I know you will not fail." He walked closer to her and took her hand.
"Be careful and be alert." He warned her. She nodded and without thinking, pressed his hand, still holding hers, to her heart.
Without looking at him, she dropped his hand, turned and left him.
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The Forgotten Ring
by Sienna Dawn
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 16 - The Moon Beasts of Asto Nuut
"On a dusty plain, whereabouts unknown,
'Neath storm clouds under a paling sun
High atop a Moon Beast rides He whom I call of old,
"Beast of Legend", eyes sparkling clear and gold."
Two Weeks after the discovery in the Archives of Avonea (April 19)....
The sun had set and the stars shone above the Plains of Asto Nuut.
Here, in this dusty desert bowl, a land of sand and dunes, where only the hardiest survived, there nursed a young Moon Beast. Her child was only a few hours old and she looked at it with love and pride. He would make a fine addition to the herd and in his time would take his place amongst the males. The mother's golden eyes glowed and her furred body purred with contentment. From somewhere inside her a small tune began to form and she felt the need to sing.
Shrill notes, not unlike a high pitched and out of tune flute, began to come from the depths of the Mother Moon Beast and soon her suckling child was asleep.
She contemplated the twinkling stars above her head, her thoughts lost within the million sparkling gems in the heaven. Suddenly she gave a lurch and thought she'd remembered something important. Her child moaned his disatisfaction but quickly settled back into a peaceful slumber.
The Mother Moon Beast closed her golden eyes and thought back. What was it about the gems that were so imporant? She tried to think back but it was useless. Some Moon Beasts possessed little memories except for where to find good food and shelter. Although they possessed intelligence that far surpassed other animals, and when they wished it, the gift of speech, most Moon Beasts passed much of their time telling each other tales of the Great Before, or eating and sleeping. For now she settled herself down to sleep, keeping an eye on the wandering little star high above her head.
Ten leagues south from the Plains, soaring high above a group of mallorn saplings, an elven Ryder and his Eagle dipped once in signal to the trackers below and turned north toward Avonea. Meanwhile on land, a group of three elven trackers kept a tight vigil on the Moon Beast.
They had no idea what they had discovered, but they were certain nothing like this animal was known to them. They had watched the beast carefully for three days and nights and felt they had enought information about it to take back to the Steward of Thalion Tirion.
Back on the Plains of Asto Nuut, Earendil rose and the Moon Beasts slumbered peacefully, unwares that their quiet world was soon to be invaded.
The Eagle made good time back to Avonea. Haldir, Eridani and the region Commanders listened attentively to the descriptions of the animal they had found. And although no one had said anything at the time, everyone knew that something important had been discovered.
Ever since she had helped him discover the mystery of the rings, the lost Arkenstone and the missing Fourth Ring of Power, Eridani had sat in all of the reports coming back from the borders. Her insight combined with her knowledge of the Ancient History of their people and of Middle Earth was beginning to prove invaluable to Haldir. He had come to respect her opinion.
As they listened, Haldir was nagged by a vague memory about the descriptions of the creatures the trackers had found. He tried to remember as he listened to the reports....what was it? Impossible, his mind refused to give him the answer.
Eridani had thought perhaps they may be related to the wargs of the Old World, but Haldir had shaken his head in disagreement,
"No, wargs would not have been peacefully resting under the stars. They were creatures of shadow." He had looked over at Eridani who had not seemed very impressed.
"But remember, my Lord, that all life forms on Middle Earth were re-shaped."
Still, Haldir was not convinced.
Several hours later, when the sun was setting, a decision was finally reached and Haldir was not pleased with the outcome although he had to accept that the plan at hand was indeed the most logical alternative
Having spent his entire adult life as a warrior, Haldir was unaccustomed to the passive role he was being forced to play. He was used to taking the lead, being in the front lines, taking the same risks as every other elf out on patrol. Thus, he found it almost impossible to accept the decision his Commanders and Eridani came to, but he eventually yielded with grace, although his mind pounded in alarm.
"I need you here," he had told her. "I need you to keep track of the news reported back."
But Eridani had been implacable and his Commanders supported her logic. She was the most obvious choice to travel to Asto Nuut.
"My Lord, perhaps this is the sign we have been waiting for." Her eyes had widened in meaning.
Just now he half sat on a low bench in the receiving chamber lost in thought, while his Captains plotted the quickest route to Asto Nuut. He knew that it was unavoidable. Eridani had been trained in self defense and many other arts, such as swordsmanship, archery, riding and more. It was usually so with elven maidens of high rank. But just because it had always been done this way did not mean he liked it. In fact, he loathed the idea of letting her go at all. He wanted her close to him, safe in the net of his love.
And yet, someone would have to go and see what this was all about and she was by far the best choice. After all was she not the one person, outside of Elrond, who knew most about Middle Earth, its history, its people and creatures? He arched a golden eyebrow...nay, he pondered. He did not think Elrond would agree to go in Eridani's stead.
His eyes drifted to her. Bright and alert, her lifeforce pulsing, he could see its glow as it hugged her body. His chest heaved in a deep sigh and he stood, walking over to the others. Perhaps, as Eridani had said earlier, this was a sign from the Valar, a path they were being shown in the quest for the rings. He sighed silently, still uncertain.
There was naught for it. She woulde toe to go. She would be his eyes, ears and mouth. He needed to know if these were creatures of the Old Word, the wargs that Eridani suspected, or something altogether different and new.
And so arrangements were made for Eridani and a small group of his best trackers to accompany her. He reasoned they would be back, Valar-willing, safe and hale, within 15 days at the utmost. They would have to travel by horseback and later on foot. He could spare no Eagles for them. In the meantime, reports coming back from the interior of Thalion Tirion were encouraging. No sign of Orch activity anywhere. Elrond's guards were camped at the mouth of the Uile and would attack at first sight of Orch. Word from the dwarves had not yet reached him, but he thought that the odds for their joining them was good. Messengers had been sent to the realms of Men, but Haldir suspected that they may not take the threat as seriously and waste valuable time deciding. He had doubled the sentries and guards at all borders. Eagle Ryders were keeping watch from high aloft. No one was going to gain entry into the Realm of Thalion Tirion without his knowledge. Also, important routes for escape from cities and villages had been carefully made and many outland villages were already emptying out, beginning a small migration of elves into Avonea.
Looking over last minute changes to a few sentry postings, his eyes drifed to Eridani. She felt his eyes on her face and lifted them over the bent heads of the Commanders. She found his eyes. For a long moment they stared at one another, each trying to convey the feelings of their hearts. Both knew this may be goodbye for good and neither was willing to accept the possibility. Their connection was broken when a voice intruded.
"Everything is ready, my Lord. Best to leave come sunset tomorrow. Rest by day, travel by night" It was Tamarcil, who was slowly emerging as one of Haldir's most trusted Commanders. "Here is the list we suggest." He handed Haldir a list of names, which he quickly recognized was a selection of their best trackers and archers. He made his choice and walked away from them. Soon he was unable to concentrate and turned away from the elves, crossing the great hall to an open window which overlooked a small garden.
When at last Haldir turned away from the window, he realized he was alone, except for Eridani, who stood waiting. Her eyes were luminous, wide and resolute.
"I will not fail you, my Lord."
Haldir smiled. Is that what she thought? That he was opposed to her because he doubted her abilities? Looking at her, memories of sweet kisses shared clouded his mind. He did not like this weakness and knew he had to get control over it or it would control him.
His eyes warmed. "I know this. But my heart tells me that there is something we are not seeing, my Lady, and it makes me uneasy. I know you will not fail." He walked closer to her and took her hand.
"Be careful and be alert." He warned her. She nodded and without thinking, pressed his hand, still holding hers, to her heart.
Without looking at him, she dropped his hand, turned and left him.
Key:
* Plains of Asto Nuut = Dusty Moon Plains
* Moon Beasts = a new life form brought into the Reformed Middle Earth, descendants of the Mearas
* Beast of Legend = Unknown, thought by Eridani Istalindir, to have been a reference to Bruinen, a Moon Beast
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