Nianna's Journey

AN: I'm so sorry for taking so long on updating. Major writer's block is my only excuse. Thanks to everyone who continues to read and review positively or with constructive criticism. I really do appreciate it. I hope that it won't take nearly as long for the next update. Please continue to review, it helps feed the bunnies that continue to invade my mind with story ideas.

A special and huge THANKS to Elfmaiden25. She has been the beta for this story as well as my CSI fic since the beginning and she has been absolutly been amazing. Please check out her stories. Thanks, ElfMaind25.


Chapter 16: Nianna’s Choice – Part 1

As Nianna prepared for the evening’s respite, a soft knock on her door drew her attention. She smiled gently at the little hobbit that graced her doorway but was immediately worried for Frodo as she noticed the fear and uncertainty that was reflected on his face.

“Is all well, Frodo?”

Frodo nodded unconvincingly and motioned if he could enter which Nianna quickly allowed. She guided him to the small sitting area set near the large windows. They both sat for several moments; one gathering his thoughts while the other waited patiently watching the range of emotions that crossed Frodo’s face.

“Nianna…” Frodo began hesitantly. “During our time together, I have come to think of you as a close friend.”

Nianna smiled. “I feel the same, Frodo.”

He seemed to relax with her words and briefly reflected her smile. The smile disappeared as the realization of his future travels and the purpose of his visit returned.

“The night we stayed in Bree, you made us a promise. And while I would hold no ill-will towards you if you are unable to uphold it, it would ease my mind if you would continue to accompany us on our journey.”

Nianna kneeled in front of the hobbit, taking his small hands into her own. “I made you and the others a promise, little one. And I will do everything in my capabilities to keep to that oath.”

He smiled at the she-elf and felt a warm blush rise to his cheeks as Nianna’s honest smile was easily returned. Nianna rose and took her seat once again. “Now, tell me what has happened to make you so concerned.”

Frodo told Nianna what had occurred during the Council. She laughed as he retold the sudden appearances of his three friends and the appalled reaction of Lord Elrond’s at the interruption.

“I have great faith in the Fellowship’s abilities and while the trip may be hazardous, they will do all they can to make it a success, as will I. But knowing that you will accompanying us to Mordor, lightens my heart.” Frodo finished.

Nianna smiled gently at the hobbit. Standing gracefully, she held her hand out for Frodo to take. The pair left the room to join the others for the evening meal.

Legolas and Arwen joined the two as they made their way to the main hall. After a quick greeting to the hobbit, Legolas turned to his wife. “Lord Elrond has requested our presence in his study.”

Seeing the seriousness in Legolas’s eyes, she nodded.

“Frodo, would you do the honor of escorting me to the hall?” Lady Arwen gently asked.

Once the two had retreated, Nianna took the offered arm of her husband and they began walking in a different direction.

“I assume that Master Frodo has given you the details of what has occurred at the Council.” Legolas asked softly.

Nianna nodded and grinned up to her husband. “Including Elrond’s momentary exasperation due to three hobbits interruptions to the proceedings.”

Legolas chuckled at the memory.

Nianna stopped mid-stride and turned toward her husband. “I’ve agreed to Frodo’s request.” Nianna waited for her husband’s reaction to the news.

He sighed softly. “Estel has explained what occurred during your time in Bree. As well as the conversation that took place between the hobbits and yourself.”

Nianna continued to wait for him to continue.

Legolas placed his hands gently on her shoulders and drew her closely. He whispered. “I don’t wish for you to go.”

A slight frown marred Nianna smooth features. “Legolas, we have been on dangerous voyages before, why does this one concern you such?”

“You must understand, Nianna, this fellowship plans to enter the Dark Lands in order to destroy the ring. And while I trust many of those that would accompany us, there are a few that I do not.”

“The dwarf?” Nianna asked.

He nodded. “But he is not the only one, the man from Gondor concerns me. I can already see how the ring speaks to him. How it draws him in. He will be easily persuaded to its power.”

Nianna lifted her hands to gently cup his face, sorrow easily read within her own eyes. “The ring calls to us, my love. Our strength comes from being able to turn away from such whisperings. If there are those that hear its beckoning, than we must strive to help them ignore their urges.”

Legolas remained silent, reading the thoughts and expressions that her eyes revealed. “And if he or one of the others fall to its enticements? What than, Nianna?”

Nianna removed her hands from his face and gravelly looked up to him. “You already know the answer to that question, Legolas.”

Both remained standing closely together, solemn expressions etched into their features.

Nianna smiled suddenly. “My dear Legolas, look at us. We have barely begun and already we think the worst will happen. The Fellowship will be successful. And we will finally be rid of the Lord of Gifts.”

Legolas chuckled at his wife’s constant optimism, drawing her close and leaned down to place a meaningful kiss onto her soft lips.

Pulling away slightly and laughing, Nianna said. “Lord Elrond has had enough disruption today for us not to meet him at his study promptly.”

Legolas stepped back and bowed deeply before offering his arm. “Milady.”

She gently curtsied before taking the offered arm; drawing herself closer to the man she swore to love for eternity.

The couple entered the large study and their attention was drawn to the far eastern part where a large table stood. Surrounding the table, Lord Elrond, Mithrandir and Estel gazed down at a large map of Middle Earth. Upon Nianna and Legolas’s arrival, their gazes moved away from the map to the pair entering the room.

“Lady Nianna, welcome once again,” Lord Elrond greeted.

Nianna nodded towards the older elf and moved forward toward the table.

“You understand why I have summoned you.” The sentence was not a question from Lord Elrond but simply a statement.

“Yes,” Nianna replied.

Estel interjected. “And you have agreed to Frodo’s request?”

At her nod, Estel continued. “This journey is dangerous, Nianna.” He pointed to the map that lay before him. “Our journey will be long and will cross over many lands that have unique and dangerous obstacles.”

Before the man could continue, Nianna interrupted. “I have been on dangerous missions before, Estel. And I know the terrain of Arda fairly well and that many of the boundaries that separate us from those of Mordor are now blurred.”

“Boromir, the steward’s son of Gondor, has reported that their boarders are under constant attack by Mordor armies. The pass separating Rivendell and Mirkwood has been overrun by orcs and thus is impassable. We will have to travel through the Misty Mountains, using the Redhorn Pass at the base of Caradhras in order to pass by these armies unobserved,” interjected Mithrandir; pointing to the map and tracing the path the Fellowship would take.

The group continued to gaze and strategize for the best route that would take them into the heart of Mordor and to their ultimate destination of Mount Doom without being seen.

“It may help to divert Mordor’s armies further by aiding Gondor in their defense of their boarders.” Nianna said. Unaware of the quietness that filled the room, she continued. “If Rivendell’s army can meet with those of Mirkwood’s; along with Galadriel’s aid, the elven armies would be a formidable force against them.”

The tangible silence drew Nianna’s attention away from the map to the other occupants of the room. Legolas and Estel refused to look Nianna in the eye while Mithrandir sat calmly, smoking his pipe. Nianna glanced over to the last person for support and was surprised at the impassioned expression on the elf’s face.

Nianna’s confusion was easily read.

“We are leaving Rivendell, Nianna.” Lord Elrond explained. “Lady Galadriel and her people are also leaving the Golden Woods. Legolas has informed us that the same holds true to those that live within Mirkwood Forest.”

Nianna glanced over to the elf standing next to her. At his downcast gaze, she realized that what Lord Elrond had said was true. She returned her gaze back to the Rivendell Lord.

“Why? Why now? When Middle Earth needs us more than any other time?” Nianna asked fervently.

“The time of the elves is passing, Nianna. It is time for us to move on to the Grey Havens.” Lord Elrond tried to explain.

Nianna shook her head. “Lord Elrond, I must protest this...mass migration. This is not the time to abandon our homes especially in its time of need.”

“Lady Nianna.” Elrond began, his voice became steeled after every word. “The age of Man has begun. We no longer have a say in the destiny of Middle Earth or those that remain here.”

Nianna attempted to withhold the harshness in her voice, “For over three ages, the elves have lived and prospered here. During prosperous times and times of war, we have always taken a hand in our own destinies as well as the destiny of those of our neighbors. To leave now at a crucial period, when the Dark Armies of Mordor may very well overrun this land, seem preposterous.”

Lord Elrond was no longer able to withhold his anger. “Lady Nianna, may I remind you that you are a guest of Rivendell and while your input is greatly appreciated regarding the journey of the Fellowship, it is however not required when dealing with the fate of the elves. You and yours still hold the decision on whether or not to join us but Rivendell is dying. Thus, those that reside within its protective walls, will journey to the Grey Havens.”

Nianna leaned over the table, moving closer to the older elf, “Let the elves leave. Let them travel the Grey Havens. And what than? If Sauron succeeds in his plans for Middle Earth, how long before the Great Eye moves to other lands beyond this one. How soon until he follow the Straight Road with his massive armies? Do you truly believe that Sauron will be content with only Middle Earth?’

‘Centuries may pass even millenniums but Sauron will find a way to amass even greater power and larger, more powerful armies before he continues his insane plot to overrule everything.”

Nianna paused momentarily before continuing. “Sauron will not be content until all is under his command. That includes the great Valar themselves. He will stop at nothing until it is so.”

“Enough.” Mithrandir said stopping the heated conversation before words, that were should not be spoken, were uttered in anger. Standing, he approached the two elves, placing a hand on the shoulder of each, calming them with its warm presence.

The Istari turned to the youngest elf, “Nianna, the call of the sea is strong amongst many of the elves. You know that such a call is impossible to ignore. The Valar has called them home. And while you, yourself, may not hear the call as of yet, you understand the significance and importance of this event.”

Nianna’s frustration left her body at the gentle words of Mithrandir. She visibly drew a relaxing breath and looked over to the elder elf.

“My apologies, Lord Elrond. It was not my wish to upset you. While I may still not agree with the decision, I will accept it as it stands.”

Elrond approached the she-elf, “Nianna, it is obvious to me that the call has not affected either you nor your husband. Once you finally do feel the pull to travel to the Undying Lands, you will understand my decisions.”

Nianna was doubtful but nodded at the elf’s words.

The discussion soon returned to the map. Several hours passed before the five occupants of the room came to a final agreement regarding the paths they would take to delivery the ‘One Ring’ to the bowels of Mount Doom.