Emerge the Dragonborn | The Hobbit

Chapter 13 - The White Council

Anaynah at 6 years of age,
Rivendell

The bitter cold of the evening was fast approaching, young Anaynah and Arwen began to make their way towards the entrance of the palace, eager to seek warmth.

Before they could get far, Arwen stopped in her tracks upon hearing a familiar voice in her head. Anaynah too stopped walking as she held hands with Arwen. The child stared up at the Elleth in confusion. Moments later, Arwen smiled, turning to face Anaynah to kneel to her level.

"I am afraid I must leave you here, melda. [sweet one.] I shall find you later. There is someone here who would like to meet you." Arwen spoke gently before veering around to gaze behind her. Young Anaynah peeked her head over Arwens shoulder to catch a glance at this stranger.

Approaching them was a woman, an Elf, a most divine behind.
Galadriel was a vision of beauty and grace. Her hair was like spun gold, and her eyes were like pools of starlight. She moved towards them with an almost otherworldly fluidity, as if she were dancing with the wind.

But there was also a sense of power and wisdom about her. She had seen the world change countless times, and she carried that knowledge with her like a heavy burden.

As Anaynah looked at Galadriel, she felt a sense of awe. She knew that she was in the presence of someone special, someone who had lived a life far beyond her own.

Arwen stood up after giving the child a final smile. The Elleth gave her grandmother a slight bow and smile before she continued on her path to her chambers.

"Dear, Anaynah," Galadriel spoke gently. Her voice was soft, but it held a weight that commanded respect, "you do not understand how delighted I am to see you. Though I wish the circumstance differed."

"How do you know my name?"
The child asked with an innocence that made the Lady sorrowful.

"I know more than your name, my child."

Anaynah knew that Galadriel was someone she could trust, someone who would always be there for her. And as she gazed into those starry eyes, she felt like she was looking into the very heart of the universe.

Anaynah followed Galadriel as she led her back to the palace, Anaynah learning who she was, ruler of the realm of Lothlórien.

"This shall be your home now, child. You will be safe here," Galadriel knelt to meet Anaynahs dark brown eyes, grasping her little hands in her own, "do you understand what has happened, Anaynah?"
Galadriel's voice became stern, I
"Do you understand what has become of your parents?"

The child's heart sank at the thought. Solemnly she nodded. Though she did not understand what horrors truly took place, she understood that her family were no longer in this world.
Tears welled in her big brown eyes as her breath became slightly ragged.
Galadriel brought her hand up and cupped Anaynahs plush rosy cheek.

"The evil in this world has taken much from you, it is a cruel destiny to carry. However, I see your heart, young one. I do believe you to be the purest of souls."
Anaynah was utterly confused. What did this Elf mean? She could not comprehend why she was so fascinated with her. Galadriel noticed her puzzlement and let out a breath of a laugh.

"Do not despair, young one," she said. "Your path is one of great destiny, and your fate is intertwined with the very fabric of this land. Though you cannot comprehend. You have a great role to play in the story of this world," Galadriel continued. "Your journey will be long, and it will be fraught with danger. But you must be strong, and you must be brave. For the fate of all that is good in this world rests upon your shoulders."