Amber's Double (contn'd)
Disclaimer: This story is based on another story which is based on Tolkien's writings which are based on all mythologies. As far as I know, Tolkien is the only one who profites from this.
Nessa Windsoul stretched and got up slowly, savoring the sunshine and smells of spring. High in the trees of Mirkwood, the light of the sun was there from dawn till dusk. Mentally, she went over the list of things she had packed the night before. A string for her bow, that's what she'd forgotten!
She left her room and ran nimbly across the latticework of upper branches to beg some off Grimwald, promising to repay the debt when she got back. Then she said a swift goodby to her parents, grabbed her pack, and left her home.
She travelled south-west through the branches of the trees, laughing with the wind in her hair and the light of the sun in her eyes. She was well-named Windsoul, for only running with the wind in her hair was she truely happy.
She camped for a night at the foot of Caradhras, then began climbing his steep slopes, covered in spring streamlets. The hight was exhilerating, the breeze so fresh it took her breath away. The air was clean and crisp, with a slight nip that brought colour to her pale cheeks. She laughed with delight and ran the whole way down the other side of the mountain.
Reaching Rivendell three days later, she rested before setting off again. The air was warm and buzzing with the life of spring as she stopped for a night in Bree. Coloman's lands were to the south; she decided to stop by there. Amber would be a beautiful young lady by now; she wondered if the queen was still alive. Amber wouldn't remember her, but Nessa could still picture that sweet little face as it stared up from the crib.
Dusk was falling as she approached the gates. "Halt. Who goes there," called one of the guards boredly.
"Nessa Windsoul, wishing a place to stay for the night." She called.
The guards moved aside silently, closing the gates behind her as night approached. She continued through the crowded streets till she found Torvail's Tavern & Inn. Entering, she glanced around. Nothing much had changed since she had last been here.
"Mrs. Torvail!" she called to a big, elderly woman. "Do you remember me?"
Grace Torvail looked up in surprise. "Nessa! How wonderful to see you again! Just take a seat, I'll be over in a minute."
Nessa smiled and sat down at a table. It was plainly carved, with edges smooth from generations of hands. She closed her eyes and ran her fingers along the smooth edges. It was made of oak, an old oak from the old forest. It had been a large tree, standing in the sunlight and the wind. But it had almost forgotten that part of itself, it felt belonging to this small tavern. It hadn't felt wind for such a long time...She opened her eyes, realising Grace was talking.
"How have you been all these long years, Nessa?"
"Quite well, thanks. And you?"
"Oh, not bad. Me bones ache in the cold season and the wet ones, but it can't be helped. At least I'm still up and about, which is more than most people my age can say."
"Yes. And how is little Jimmy?"
"Well, he ain't little no more, miss! We still call him little cricket, mind, but he's a strong lad now with a wife and little 'uns."
"And what about Heray? Is he still around?"
"Naw, he kicked the pail three years ack. Lonely years, but I've a good son und family, so who'm I to complain? By Eru's good will, I'll join him n some years."
"Do you have any rooms available?"
"'Course, m'dear! Y'know we don't often get visitors in these parts. Too close to the old Downs, as I've always said. But it's a life. And for you, free room and board, of course. Naw naw, don't make a fuss. Standard for all Elves as come to the Tavern, allus has ben und allus will be. Brings the place up to have a beauty like yurself in here. Now, not another word on it. You're tired, you should get some rest. Upstairs and third door to the right. I'll go unlock it for ye now."
"Thank you, Grace. May you and all this town be blessed."
Nessa followed the woman upstairs and fell asleep in her bed instantly.
The next morning she was up with the dawn. Leaving Grace a note of thanks, she travelled to the King's Gardens. The royal family was there, with few guards. She approached them and bowed.
"Greetings, magesties. Greetings, princess."
"Nessa! It is good to see you again," said the king in a deep voice. He turned to the queen. "Wife, you remember Nessa. She saved our crops night on twenty years ago." The Queen looked up from braiding Amber's brown hair. "Yes, I remember. You shall be our honored guest for however long you choose to stay here. This is my daughter, Amber. Amber, this is Nessa ..Windsoul? Yes, good. Nessa, Amber's nineteenth birthday party is coming up. I do hope you can stay for it."
"We will see, magesty. I don't really know why I'm here. I felt ...a call of some type. Somebody needs help."
"That's nice." The queen didn't look up from Amber's hair.
The king spoke up. "Wife, we must attend the council meeting now."
"Very well. Come along, Amber."
"Mother, may I stay here?"
A spasm of anger flashed over the queen's face, replaced a second later by a benevolent smile. "Of course, my dearest."
The king and queen walked back to the palace. Amber looked up at the still-standing Nessa. "Please, sit down."
"Yes, princess."
"Please, call me Amber."
"Alright." Nessa sat down on the grass. "I remember when you were only a baby. Beautiful, even then."
"Really? I don't remember any of my childhood." A curious expression passed over Amber's face and was gone.
Re: Amber's Double (contn'd)
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