Daughter of a King

Chapter 8: A Quest to Reclaim a Broken Home?

(Arulla's P.O.V)

The Istari stayed until nightfall that day, but the grey wizard's eyes were always on me. Whenever I would look his way, his eyes would always meet mine. I quickly excused myself from the room, and went out into the garden to catch some air. I sighed and held my arms across my stomach. I have not seen Gandalf in years, he would only come if he had something important to tell me. I really hope that it's noting that's considering my past life. I don't think I could deal with that right now. Not now....

I hear footsteps behind me, but they stop suddenly. Then I recognize who it is, without even looking, "You must've requested an audience with me. Because my siblings are nowhere to be seen and that's unusual." The man smiled as I turned around, "Hello Gandalf." "Aranel, how have you been?" I smiled and slowly embraced the tall wizard, "I am fine Gandalf. And you? How have you been these last few years?" I said with a smirk. Gandalf chuckled, "Yes, I've been doing just fine, thank you." I turn back around to the flowers in from of me, and I start to pick them. "So, what is it Gandalf? You've requested an audience with me, and I'm pretty sure it's not just to say hello to one another. So, spit it out." The wizard grew nervous and sat on the bench next to me, "Yes indeed that is true." He waited until I looked at him before he continued. When I looked up, he took in a deep breath and said, "Some dwarves who survived the fire storm wish to take back the mountain.They are going on a quest, and I wish for you to come with me."

My face grew stern and my eyes filled with anger, I quickly stood up and almost screamed, "Are they insane!! No man would ever have the courage to defeat a fire-breathing dragon! It's a lost cause!! NO!! I will not and can not go with you!! This quest would bring back memories that I wish I could forget altogether! I'm sorry Gandalf, but I- I can't."

I sat back down on the grass, and quietly sobbed. I look down at my Elven ring and I pet it softly. I feel a comforting hand on my shoulder and I look up to see Gandalf smiling at me. "I would never force you to do anything mellon. But Erebor will always be apart of you, and it will never go away." I sob a little harder, and Gandalf continues, "Erebor is home to every dwarf, and you are still a dwarf." I shake my head, "But what kind of celebration would I get? What if anyone recognizes me? Would I still be known as the quiet and shy Princess of Erebor? If I come, I don't want to be identified as the lost heir of Durin's Folk! That is not who I am! Not anymore!! Not since..."

Gandalf sighed, "Well, if you do come, a reunion will be in order, but as for your name, if you wish to keep it a secret, then I will not tell a soul. That is until you are ready to tell them yourself, then-" "Gandalf!!!!" I quickly turn around and let his hand slip from my shoulder, "I haven't even agreed to go with you on this quest, and still you believe that I will come?" The wizard smiled, "Yes, its true that you never agreed, but it is also true that you never refused either." I scoffed and marched back to the table and slammed my feet down on the ground.

"The nerve of the man!" I thought to myself. All eyes were on me after my outburst, but I took no notice to them. Then I heard a voice in my mind, "Calm child. What seems to be the matter?" It was Lady Galadriel and I looked up to her eyes and replied in my mind, "You know of what seems to be the matter!" I snapped. She took no offense to it and continued to think in a calm tone, "Do you want to go?" Small tears brimmed the edges of my eyes, "Yes Daer- Nana, but I fear that me returning to Erebor would bring back memories that I wish I could forget, and I'm scared to face them."

She smiled at me, "Oh my dear Indyo," She thought. "You need not be afraid of your memories. Because they bring out the best in you. Go with Mithrandir, because this quest will help you discover who you truly are." She finished her thoughts to me, and continued eating. I smiled and nodded my head in gratitued.

The next day I quickly packed my things and told Lord Elrond's sevant Lindir to quickly groom my horse, and make sure she will be ready when I leave. I was braiding my hair when I heard a loud thumping in the hallway. Arwen burst through the door. I turned around to see her eyes were red with tears, "No! You can't go to! Elladan and Elrohir left only last night! You cannot leave me here alone!!" I smiled sadly and opened my arms, waiting for her embrace. When she embraced me, I slowly calmed her by stroking her hair. "Please Arwen," I started. "Don't make this harder than it already is." She pushed away from my embrace and quickly wiped away her tears, "Why must you leave too?" She spoke in English, of which caught me by surprise, but I took no heed to it. "Because, I need to." "Why do you need to?" "Because I do!" I shouted. I never shouted at my sister, but I needed her to understand. "I will be back soon, I promise." I quickly grabbed my pack and headed for the door, "I love you my sister." I said before I left the room, but I did not turn to face her. She was still sitting on the bed when I left.

I grabbed my weapons from the weaponry. I grabbed my sword, my bow, my quiver full of arrows, and my dwarven dagger that I tucked secretly into one of my packs. I grabbed my red velvet cloak and walked out into the stables where Elrond and Gandalf were waiting for me. I took no notice of them until I saddled my horse Amdir and turned to face them. Amdir began to stir as I stopped petting her, "Be-îdh guren. Be-îdh. (Be still my heart. Be still.)" and I turned to pat her neck. She was still once again and I turned my attention back to the two men. Elrond embraced me first, "Aranel, I understand that you must go on this journey and you have very little chance of returning but I just wanted to say-" I pressed my fingers to his lips, "I know Adadîth. You need not say it. I already know. And I will try my very best to return to you." Elrond pulled away and I could see in his eyes that he was trying to hold back tears. I gave him a nod and mounted Amdir. "Until we see each other again." I extend my arm for his and he takes it gratefully. My hand slides from his grip and I urge my horse on, and Gandalf slowly follows after saying his farewells to Elrond.

"Wait!!" I hear someone yell behind me, "Wait Aranel!!" It was Arwen, and she was running towards me. I sighed and turned my horse around, "What is it now Arwen? I have to do this and you know that. Please, we must leave now." Arwen nodded and walked calmly up to me, "Yes I know and I also understand that but..." She reached from inside her cloak and pulled out a long red velvet box. "It says to open on your 90th birthday, and that's tomorow. I know you have a past and this is part of it." She looked up at me and handed me the box, "So be sure to take every part of yourself on this journey. Whether it's good or bad." I smiled at her and tears brimmed my eyes. I gently took the box and carefully stuffed it into my pocket. I nodded to Arwen and turned my horse back around. And Gandalf looks at me couriously, I give him a look that says, 'I will tell you later.' He nods and we begin to move towards the West.

And so we were on our way......

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The pic to the right is Aranel's Elven ring.... Its a little smushed, but that's what it looks like... Sorry :(

I hope you really like this chapter. I had a lot of fun with having Aranel defeat her two older brothers. I hope you like that scene too.

Well... On to the next chapter!!! I will try to update as soon as I can!!!!!!!!!!!

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Thanks!!! Your opinion is greatly appriciated!!!!

- TC110