Nianna's Journey
folder
-Multi-Age › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
19
Views:
2,372
Reviews:
10
Recommended:
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Currently Reading:
0
Category:
-Multi-Age › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
19
Views:
2,372
Reviews:
10
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 9: Promises
Authors Note: After the posting of the last chapter regarding the story of Beren and Luthien, someone mentioned a really interesting tidbit. On the gravestone of JRR Tolkien and his wife’s (they are buried together) are the names Beren and Luthien. For me, this made the story that much more interesting and I decided to do a little more research regarding this.
After the death of his parents, JRR was taken in by a priest. He met his future wife, Edith, while leaving with the priest. But the priest, who noticed a slip in grades once JRR started seeing her, requested that JRR stop the relationship and focus more on his studies. JRR conceded and went on to college. Years later, he reunited with Edith and they married in 1915.
Around 1917-1918, he and Edith were walking in the woods and there among the trees, Edith began to dance. This was the inspiration for the tale of Beren and Lúthien. He came to think of Edith as "Lúthien" and himself as "Beren" This is really interesting considering the Hobbit wasn’t published until the 1930s.
I think that makes the whole tale regarding Beren and Luthien even more special and magical. I did find a site that seems to have the complete story. Please go to http://debian.fmi.uni-sofia.bg/~grobar/koliovenkov/Tolkin/za-beren-i-lutien.html to read the complete story of Beren and Luthien. It’s an amazing and incredible story and I could never ever replicate such ingenious work.
A special thank you to Laegel Greenleaf for letting me know about this and your great reviews.
Again, when characters speak in Elvish it will be signified by [ ].
Chapter 9: Promises
The next day’s travel through the open grasslands went much easier for the little hobbits. Despite this, at their current pace it would still take six days to reach Rivendell. The four hobbits regaled Nianna with stories and songs to help pass the time over the persistent growling of Merry’s stomach. Strider spent most of the time ahead of the group, scouting, but occasionally he would join them and listen to the ongoing conversations.
As the end of the day approached, the group crested at the top of one of the larger hills. From their vantage point they were able to see a long expanse of open plains. Directly in the middle stood a tall hill and at the apex of it, they saw the crumbling ruins of a tower.
“This was the great watchtower of Amon Sul. We shall rest here tonight.” Strider said. He began the long trek down the hill.
The hobbits were still unaccustomed to long days of travel, especially with few or no breaks in between. But their spirits began to lift as they drew closer and closer to the nights resting place.
The sky was darkening when they reached the bottom of the crumbling stairwell, which led to the top of the tower.
As the hobbits unloaded packs that would be needed for the night’s stay, Nianna took note of the state of their water supply. As she realized the amount was low, she remembered a stream that flowed about a mile and half from where they would be resting for the night.
“Strider, we are running low on water, if I remember correctly there is a stream less than two miles away. Do you believe that it will be safe enough for me to travel to it and refresh our water packs?” Nianna asked, knowing that the ranger would be more familiar with the area and its dangers.
“There are no major dangers in this area but it would be best if you did not go alone. I will take the hobbits to the campsite and then I will accompany you.”
The tired hobbits sluggishly and quietly followed Strider up the steep stairs while Nianna prepared Bill for the night. As she waited for the ranger, she looked out onto the now dark fields. She was able to hear Strider’s soft footsteps well before he visually showed. She watched as he descended the crumbling stones, carrying an item wrapped in rough cloth.
[“I have something for you,”] he said, unwrapping the package showing its contents, [“I noticed you were missing one of your long knives and felt it would be best to replace it, even temporarily. It is not Elven made but it shall do until we reach Imladris.”]
A crude looking long knife gleamed dully in the fading light. Nianna smiled at Strider as she lifted the knife from its wrappings.
Despite its crude appearance, the knife was of gooightight and balance. As she became familiar with the weapon, Strider said, [“I gave matching knives to the hobbits though I believe they lack the experience to wield such weapons.”]
Nianna placed the knife in the previously empty sheath. [“We will have to give them some lessons during the following days. Thank you.”]
He simply nodded, [“Are you ready?”]
Nianna nodded and once again grabbed Fir Gael’s reins. Strider and Nianna walked in companionable silence, both keeping their senses trained to the grasslands surrounding them for any hidden dangers.
Both travelers could hear the sound of the stream as they drew close to a line of trees that enclosed the rushing water. They quickly crossed the boarder of trees and approached the stream that gleamed in the rising moon and twinkling stars.
As they both bent down to fill the water skins, Strider’s voice broke the silence with his softly spoken question, [“Why did you make such a solemn promise to the hobbits?”]
Nianna looked at Strider with a quizzical expression, [“I do not believe such a promise would be that hard to keep.”]
As Nianna waited for a reply, Strider weighed his next words carefully, [“These are uncertain times, Nianna, fraught with many dangers both seen and unseen. You do not know the fates of these four creatures or even what the future may hold for yourself and thus do not know if you will be able to fulfill such a promise. Especially when taken into consideration other duties and individuals that may have more sway to your time and energies.
T
The she-elf quietly reflected on his words while she filled another water skin, [“While it is true that the future holds many uncertainties and dangers, that should never stop anyone from aiding those who may require it.”]. Nianna stood with the last of the filled water skins, [“As for duties and those who may claim ownership of my time and energy, I live my own life and make the final decisions on where to spend such luxuries, despite what anyone thinks. Only those w opi opinions matter the most to me would have any sway in my actions.”]
She grinned as Estel stood with his burdens. She looked mischievously into his eyes, [“As one of these privileged individuals,”], she noticed a tiny smirk crossing Estel’s lips, [“I would hope, that one such as yourself, would respect me in making my own decisions and fairly choose to guide me with their experiences and wisdom, rather than command me to their will.”]
As they tied the water skins in pairs and slung them over the saddle of Fir Gael, Strider replied, [“I apologize, I did not mean to suggest that your promise was folly and that you were unable to wisely decide such an action. I only meant to warn you that it may be more difficult than a simple trip to their home.”] He walked over to her and placed his hands gently on her shoulders, [“If it is within my power to accompany you to the Shire, I will gladly follow.”]
Nianoddeodded her acceptance and smiled.
[“Thank you, your great wisdom and vast experience would be greatly appreciated”], she said with a thin sarcastic edge to her words.
Once again, Strider gave a slight smirk as he continued, [“Besides, I believe that there will be another who will gladly take the time to accompany you and the hobbits on this great journey.”]
Nianna shook her head as she smiled, [“Indeed he will.”]
Strider took Fir Gael’s reins as they began their journey back to the watchtower and to the four hobbits that were undoubtedly asleep at the moment.
The two traveled a little way when a sudden oppressive darkness and gloom fell over the large expanse of land before them. They halted and strained all of their senses as a depressing silence fell upon them; both attempting to penetrate the cause of such a phenomenon.
A spine tingling shriek reverberated across the expansive plains.
Without further thought, Nianna turned to Fir Gael and quickly grabbed the water skins and threw them onto the ground. At the same time, Strider moved the reins over Fir Gael’s head.
Before he was able to hand them to Nianna, she whispered harshly, [“Quickly. Take Fir Gael. I will be faster than you on foot.”]
Without argument, Strider mounted the horse and kicked his heels into the sides of Fir Gael, spurring the horse into a gallop.
Before rider and horse were swallowed up in the darkness, Nianna slung the water bags over her shoulder and began to sprint towards the same direction.
The Ring Wraiths had found the hobbits.
After the death of his parents, JRR was taken in by a priest. He met his future wife, Edith, while leaving with the priest. But the priest, who noticed a slip in grades once JRR started seeing her, requested that JRR stop the relationship and focus more on his studies. JRR conceded and went on to college. Years later, he reunited with Edith and they married in 1915.
Around 1917-1918, he and Edith were walking in the woods and there among the trees, Edith began to dance. This was the inspiration for the tale of Beren and Lúthien. He came to think of Edith as "Lúthien" and himself as "Beren" This is really interesting considering the Hobbit wasn’t published until the 1930s.
I think that makes the whole tale regarding Beren and Luthien even more special and magical. I did find a site that seems to have the complete story. Please go to http://debian.fmi.uni-sofia.bg/~grobar/koliovenkov/Tolkin/za-beren-i-lutien.html to read the complete story of Beren and Luthien. It’s an amazing and incredible story and I could never ever replicate such ingenious work.
A special thank you to Laegel Greenleaf for letting me know about this and your great reviews.
Again, when characters speak in Elvish it will be signified by [ ].
Chapter 9: Promises
The next day’s travel through the open grasslands went much easier for the little hobbits. Despite this, at their current pace it would still take six days to reach Rivendell. The four hobbits regaled Nianna with stories and songs to help pass the time over the persistent growling of Merry’s stomach. Strider spent most of the time ahead of the group, scouting, but occasionally he would join them and listen to the ongoing conversations.
As the end of the day approached, the group crested at the top of one of the larger hills. From their vantage point they were able to see a long expanse of open plains. Directly in the middle stood a tall hill and at the apex of it, they saw the crumbling ruins of a tower.
“This was the great watchtower of Amon Sul. We shall rest here tonight.” Strider said. He began the long trek down the hill.
The hobbits were still unaccustomed to long days of travel, especially with few or no breaks in between. But their spirits began to lift as they drew closer and closer to the nights resting place.
The sky was darkening when they reached the bottom of the crumbling stairwell, which led to the top of the tower.
As the hobbits unloaded packs that would be needed for the night’s stay, Nianna took note of the state of their water supply. As she realized the amount was low, she remembered a stream that flowed about a mile and half from where they would be resting for the night.
“Strider, we are running low on water, if I remember correctly there is a stream less than two miles away. Do you believe that it will be safe enough for me to travel to it and refresh our water packs?” Nianna asked, knowing that the ranger would be more familiar with the area and its dangers.
“There are no major dangers in this area but it would be best if you did not go alone. I will take the hobbits to the campsite and then I will accompany you.”
The tired hobbits sluggishly and quietly followed Strider up the steep stairs while Nianna prepared Bill for the night. As she waited for the ranger, she looked out onto the now dark fields. She was able to hear Strider’s soft footsteps well before he visually showed. She watched as he descended the crumbling stones, carrying an item wrapped in rough cloth.
[“I have something for you,”] he said, unwrapping the package showing its contents, [“I noticed you were missing one of your long knives and felt it would be best to replace it, even temporarily. It is not Elven made but it shall do until we reach Imladris.”]
A crude looking long knife gleamed dully in the fading light. Nianna smiled at Strider as she lifted the knife from its wrappings.
Despite its crude appearance, the knife was of gooightight and balance. As she became familiar with the weapon, Strider said, [“I gave matching knives to the hobbits though I believe they lack the experience to wield such weapons.”]
Nianna placed the knife in the previously empty sheath. [“We will have to give them some lessons during the following days. Thank you.”]
He simply nodded, [“Are you ready?”]
Nianna nodded and once again grabbed Fir Gael’s reins. Strider and Nianna walked in companionable silence, both keeping their senses trained to the grasslands surrounding them for any hidden dangers.
Both travelers could hear the sound of the stream as they drew close to a line of trees that enclosed the rushing water. They quickly crossed the boarder of trees and approached the stream that gleamed in the rising moon and twinkling stars.
As they both bent down to fill the water skins, Strider’s voice broke the silence with his softly spoken question, [“Why did you make such a solemn promise to the hobbits?”]
Nianna looked at Strider with a quizzical expression, [“I do not believe such a promise would be that hard to keep.”]
As Nianna waited for a reply, Strider weighed his next words carefully, [“These are uncertain times, Nianna, fraught with many dangers both seen and unseen. You do not know the fates of these four creatures or even what the future may hold for yourself and thus do not know if you will be able to fulfill such a promise. Especially when taken into consideration other duties and individuals that may have more sway to your time and energies.
T
The she-elf quietly reflected on his words while she filled another water skin, [“While it is true that the future holds many uncertainties and dangers, that should never stop anyone from aiding those who may require it.”]. Nianna stood with the last of the filled water skins, [“As for duties and those who may claim ownership of my time and energy, I live my own life and make the final decisions on where to spend such luxuries, despite what anyone thinks. Only those w opi opinions matter the most to me would have any sway in my actions.”]
She grinned as Estel stood with his burdens. She looked mischievously into his eyes, [“As one of these privileged individuals,”], she noticed a tiny smirk crossing Estel’s lips, [“I would hope, that one such as yourself, would respect me in making my own decisions and fairly choose to guide me with their experiences and wisdom, rather than command me to their will.”]
As they tied the water skins in pairs and slung them over the saddle of Fir Gael, Strider replied, [“I apologize, I did not mean to suggest that your promise was folly and that you were unable to wisely decide such an action. I only meant to warn you that it may be more difficult than a simple trip to their home.”] He walked over to her and placed his hands gently on her shoulders, [“If it is within my power to accompany you to the Shire, I will gladly follow.”]
Nianoddeodded her acceptance and smiled.
[“Thank you, your great wisdom and vast experience would be greatly appreciated”], she said with a thin sarcastic edge to her words.
Once again, Strider gave a slight smirk as he continued, [“Besides, I believe that there will be another who will gladly take the time to accompany you and the hobbits on this great journey.”]
Nianna shook her head as she smiled, [“Indeed he will.”]
Strider took Fir Gael’s reins as they began their journey back to the watchtower and to the four hobbits that were undoubtedly asleep at the moment.
The two traveled a little way when a sudden oppressive darkness and gloom fell over the large expanse of land before them. They halted and strained all of their senses as a depressing silence fell upon them; both attempting to penetrate the cause of such a phenomenon.
A spine tingling shriek reverberated across the expansive plains.
Without further thought, Nianna turned to Fir Gael and quickly grabbed the water skins and threw them onto the ground. At the same time, Strider moved the reins over Fir Gael’s head.
Before he was able to hand them to Nianna, she whispered harshly, [“Quickly. Take Fir Gael. I will be faster than you on foot.”]
Without argument, Strider mounted the horse and kicked his heels into the sides of Fir Gael, spurring the horse into a gallop.
Before rider and horse were swallowed up in the darkness, Nianna slung the water bags over her shoulder and began to sprint towards the same direction.
The Ring Wraiths had found the hobbits.