Erebor's Guardian

Chapter: 1

Dark. Shadow. No sounds, no people. Just me.

This chamber was the last evidence of my kind. My kin all perished, it seems ironic that I who was the first of my kin am the last. We were a powerful and beautiful race, men call us angels, elves call us gods, dwarfs call us kings and queens. We are none of these. We are merely protectors, guardians. We have no name. My kin were tasked with protecting the people but doing this must be paid a heavy price. Our lives.

My kin was to keep an oath of protection to a family, but should we fail to protect them we die with them. However, if need be must sacrifice ourselves should it be the only way to keep them safe.

My brothers and sister are all dead, those who died in battle I have had to bury them, those who died by their oath I never saw them return.

This place that once glowed in majestic light was no covered in death. I would not return here. The halls would never shine, the voices of my brothers and sisters would never be heard again. But I would not let their memory fade from history. I will not forget them.

The entrance would be closed only to open when the time came. When that would happen, I was not sure.

The sun shone on the land as the grass waved in the air. My feet wouldn't move. I was never to return to this beautiful land, I was to leave to keep my oath. However, in my slumber, I will need the help of an old friend.

My wings unfolded in an instant, bright golden feathers fell from them, they felt stiff but still powerful. I launched myself into the sky above the mountains that touched the sky. The land was not too much changed but I wouldn't want to end up lost. I closed my eyes and in the dark, I could see a bright blue light toward the edge of the mountains. Good, he was still there. I opened my eyes and flew above the clouds. Looking down through the gaps in the clouds. Middle Earth. The kingdom of Gondor still shined like a jewel. The horse-lands of Rohan were scattered with wild horses, as wild as the wind. After about an hour of the flight, I arrived near Mirkwood. Gandalf was outside of the woods preparing a cart. I landed behind him so quietly that he became startled when he noticed I was behind him.

"Oh goodness gracious, I told you I hate when you do that."

Gandalf turned back to the chart and stopped in mid-movement and turned back to face me.

"Paephan. I... Is that you?"

"Hello, Gandalf. How long has it been now, ten, twenty years? You look slightly older than last"

Gandalf smiled as I folded my wings inside. Gandalf walked up to me and gave a friendly embrace. I smiled to see the old man safe.

"Gandalf, I need your help. I have been in slumber for ten years, I need to know who rules in Erebor."

"That would be Thror. Him and his Son Thrain and his grandson Thorin."

"Thror? He is still alive?"

"Yes, your oath is safe."

I looked at Gandalf with a smirk.

"Just because it is safe right now does not mean it will stay that way." I sighed, for now, it would be best to head to Erebor. The closer I am to them the safer I can keep them.

"Thank you, Gandalf. I must fly there at once."

I unfolded my wings once more and walked into a larger space to launch myself into the air.

"Paephan, before you leave. Is it true."

I looked over my shoulder at him. He must have heard of what happened to my people. I only nodded as his face turned to one of mourning.

"I am so sorry for your loss, this can't be easy for you."

I sighed and folded my wings and walked up to him placing my hand on his shoulder.

"I am not alone and I know my kin would want me to live in their name."

Gandalf bowed his head.

"Well, don't let an old man like me delay you."

I smiled as I gave him a friendly embrace. I stepped back unfolding my wings once more. As I looked up to the sky, I launched myself into the air. For now, Erebor was my only concern. As the clouds grew grey and the wind blew I saw the gates of Erebor. They had not changed in the all the years I was away. They glistened in the sun like emeralds. Two mighty statues stood over the city of Dale. It was prosperous and for lack of another word, beautiful. I landed outside the gates behind a tree and quickly folded my wings in, as I looked at the gate it seemed no one noticed me. As I started to walk up to the gate the guards stopped me.

"Oi Lass, What business do you have here." one of the guards asked as his axe hit the ground.

"I have business with the King, it has been some time but he would recognize me."

The guards looked at each other and nodded their heads at each other.

"Two of us will go with you."

"Of course"

As the two guards showed the way the hallway was massive. It was the same as I remembered. Chambers lit by the lanterns light, the sound of hammers ringing and the heat of the forges could be felt. As the two guards continued to walk down the long corridor the throne became more visible with each step. The guards stopped as one step forward.

"My king this lass claims to know you and wished an audience with you."

Thrain looked at me and in a mere minute, he smiled.

"So it's true, your kind don't age."

I laughed to myself, It was no surprise that he would recognize me.

"It's been too long Thror. I'm sorry for your wife's death, she was a fierce fighter and the best woman I have ever known." I bowed my head in respect as he bowed his, the two men next to him who I presumed was his son and grandson looked shocked at their kind bowing his head.

"You must be Thrain," I said as I turned to the older of the two.

"And you must be Thorin."

The man I had correctly deduce was Thorin looked at Thror.

"Grand-father who is she?"

"Thorin, this is Paephan, the guardian of Durin's line."

Thorin looked at me with somewhat of a disbelieving look. I smiled at his reaction, It wasn't an uncommon one.

"I thought they had wings, she looks like a normal elf than a Guardian," Thrain said as he turned to his father.

I smirked at his statement, I unfolded my wings causing both the dwarfs to shock at the sight. I stretched my wings out and smirked as I crossed my arms. For the people of Middle-Earth, seeing these wings was a truly magnificent sight. It wasn't uncommon for us to show our wings, but after goblins and orcs started to hunt us, we would only show them in battle. But I saw no reason to hide them here. Thror laughed at there reactions. I folded my wings in. I laughed with him as they both were shocked.

"If it would not trouble you Thror, I would be most welcome, If you would allow me to stay here in Erebor. Not long but for a couple of days."

"Of course, In fact, we will have a feast for your return."