Nianna's Journey

Again, this is dedicated to ElfMaiden for her hard work in being the beta for this story. Also, to all the authors of www.mystifyingdreams.com for inspiring me.

Chapter 2: Long Journey

The wind rustled the leaves above her as she lay watching over FirGael. The dark brown stallion calmly grazed on the rich meadow-grass that surrounded them. FirGael raised his head and glanced her way. She smiled, signaling that the rest period was not over quite yet. FirGael returned to his meal. He had done very well last night and deserved this long period of calm. She knew that these periods could be few and far between until they reached their final destination, so she allowed him to recuperate after the night’s perilous flight through the woods.

Twice during the night’s ride, they had come very close to being stopped which would have subsequently ended in their deaths.

The first altercation occurred no more than a mile outside of Mirkwood’s walls. Two large spiders attempted to bring them down but with quick reflexes and an increase in their speed, they were able to easily avoid the deadly fangs of the creatures and outrun their fast gait.

The second attack was much more deadly.

Among the orcs that roamed the forest, the news of a lone elf racing through the woods had spread quicker than FirGael could gallop. Their attack, unlike the spiders, was much more organized and planned although hastily. A band of ten or so orcs had literally formed a line across her path. With the thick forest lining both sides of the path, she only had two choices available to her. Either attempt to fight all ten on horseback, which would have been suicidal, or continue at their current speed and ram through the line hoping that each and every orc missed their moving target. She knew she was more than adequate with her knives and bow, having being taught by the very best warrior of Mirkwood. Yet even with that training, she knew that she would be no match against ten orcs by herself. She decided to keep riding forward. Risky? Yes, but as she glanced at the missing inches of FirGael’s tail and the cut lacings of her boots, well worth it. She laughed aloud to the disapproval of FirGael who was slightly startled from the sudden noise.

[“Stupid orcs”], she smirked. Maybe she should have stopped and taken the chance in killing the orcs. [“Ten less orcs in the forest would mean less work for the patrols.”]

Once FirGael and she had reached the Old Forest Road, their speed did not lessen. And the attacks from the bands of orcs were few and only marked by the occasional arrow or two that would miss her by several inches. It seemed that orcs were not as great of marksmen as elves.

Her mind continued to wander, from the patrols that would be arriving back to Mirkwood before nightfall, to the possible reaction of the note she left behind and then to the message she had received from Mithrandir. The message had been simple and direct:

[The One Ring has been found. Nianna, find two traveling hobbits who will begin there journey in five days. They travel towards Bree. One carries the ring. Protect and Guide them to The Prancing Pony. The Ring Wraiths have been sent to find Sauron’s ring. Be swift.]

The implications of this short message were far reaching. If the one ring was to fall into the wrong hands, all of Middle Earth would be in grave danger. The land and all who lived on it, whether elf, human, or dwarf would quickly fall under the rule of Mordor.

Nianna hadn’t been born when the last alliance between man and elves formed to defeat Sauron, but she had heard many stories growing up. There was a short period of time in her childhood where she believed that the stories of the ‘One Ring’ and Sauron’s power were told in order to frighten the younger children into behaving. She learned soon enough that these “stories” were a part of her Elven ancestry and history. She learned that the threat of this power was not fully explained in childhood fairy tales.

With the threat once more in the forefront of her mind, she stood up and began gathering her items together. FirGael noticed his rider’s actions and quickly trotted over to where she stood. Nianna gently spoke to him in Elven as she prepared him for the journey once more. Once astride FirGael, she looked up to the positioning of the sun and estimated that it was early afternoon, she hoped to reach the High Pass of Misty Mountains by nightfall.

She turned FirGael towards the road and continued on with her journey.

*****

She had finally reached Rivendell. Two days of hard travel through the mountains weighed heavily on horse and rider. She would rest here for one day prior to continuing Mithrandir’s quest.

As she reached the arch that signaled the entrance to the great city of Rivendell, two stable boys intercepted her and claimed the reins of FirGael. She knew FirGael was in the best of hands and gladly allowed them to take the reins. As she dismounted, she was greeted by Lord Elrond.

[“Lady Nianna, welcome to Rivendell.”], he greeted.

Nianna bowed slightly, [“Lord Elrond, I request permission to stay the night before continuing my journey.”]

Lord Elrond nodded his head in consent, [“Of course, child, I hope you will find all you need here. If possible, I would like to speak with you prior to your retiring for the night.”]

[“Certainly, my lord, for I have dire news to pass on”], Nianna said solemnly.

Two maids approached her as Lord Elrond said, [“Please refresh yourself, then meet me in my study where you will be able to dine and tell your tale.]”

[“Thank you for your hospitality, my lord. It is greatly appreciated.”], Nianna bowed again before allowing the maids to lead her to her chambers.

*****

Dusk had settled over the building of Rivendell, painting the walls a bright pink. Rays from the setting sun entered through a window of the study. The fading light was slowly replaced by the light of a roaring fire and lighted candles that had been carefully placed along the walls.

Lord Elrond and Nianna spoke of inconsequential matters, while they dined. Nianna felt slightly uncomfortable in the dark shimmering blue gown she wore. It seemed strange to wear one after three days of freedom that her tunic and leggings allowed. Once the serving plates and food had been removed, Lord Elrond turned to her.

[“Lady Nianna, I am sure you know that it is highly unusual for a lady of your rank to be traveling by herself.”], he said, taking a sip from the goblet of wine.

Nianna followed suit with her wine. She then began her story of why she had traveled such a long distance unaccompanied by anyone except her horse.

Once Nianna had finished, Lord Elrond stood and paced to a near by window. As he stood there staring out over his city, he said, [“I have heard from Mithrandir.”]

Nianna, startled by the news, asked [“Is he well?”]

[“He is currently in Lorien with Galadriel. He is recovering from his imprisonment at the hands of Saruman.”], he replied gravely.

Nianna was shocked, Saruman was supposed to be a good wizard much the same as Mithrandir, [“How…how long was Mithrandir imprisoned?”].

[“Seven days.”]

At Nianna’s gasp, Lord Elrond turned to her. [“Do not worry, child, for he is well on his way to recovery. Galadriel believes he will be fit to travel within another five days or so.”]

Nianna was relieved, for among so many others, Mithrandir was a grandfather-like figure in her life and she would be greatly saddened if anything were to happen to him.

She smiled a little, [“It shouldn’t surprise me that Mithrandir was able to survive such a lengthy imprisonment.”]

Lord Elrond returned her smile, [“True, Mithrandir’s strengths are many and well hidden from everyone’s eyes.”]

His smile disappeared as he contemplated a thought before saying, [“Not only are his strengths well hidden, but his reasoning as well. Why would he allow a creature such as a hobbit to be burden with the ring?”]

There were many times during her journey that Nianna had entertained the same thoughts. [“Though hidden neither Mithrandir’s reasons, nor his actions, have ever been wrong before,”] she stated, [“and I see no reason to begin doubting him at this point.”]

Lord Elrond stared at her for a moment, thinking about what she said. He smiled, [“You are right, child, Mithrandir has never led us astray before.”] He once again sat across from her.

[“Tomorrow, once you leave Rivendell to continue your journey, I will send a message to several key people of Middle Earth. I believe a council is in order, to determine the fate of the one ring.”] he decreed.

[“Key people?”], Nianna asked curiously.

[“Since the fate of Middle Earth lies with all species of living beings, I will request a member from each species to join the council in order to devise a plan of action.”] he stated, [“Elves, dwarfs, man, and hobbits should all have a say on what is to be done with the encroaching dangers of Mordor and the power of the One Ring.”]

Nianna was once again startled. Never before had she heard of such a council having ever occurred before. But she realized that Lord Elrond was correct. All living things, which would be affected by the ring and subsequently Sauron’s conquest for Middle Earth, should be present in any decisions regarding it.

As Nianna’s mind continued to reflect over this startling news, Lord Elrond smiled, [“I believe I will ask King Thranduil to send his delegates to represent the Elven race in the council meeting.”]

Nianna looked at Lord Elrond and smiled, [“I believe that would be a very wise decision on your part, Lord Elrond.”]

[“Indeed.”], he said, continuing to smile.

They returned to their previous conversation as the sun made its final descent on the horizon. Soon after, both Elves retired to their chambers to wait for daybreak.