Chapter 38 - Aredhel

Taranis had decided to take a rest and recover from the trials of the battle, seeking peace in the quiet lands of the Shire. He had made a comfortable home with Bilbo in Bag End, where the two shared a quiet life after all the chaos. It was a peaceful existence, though Taranis couldn't shake the feeling that danger still loomed, especially with Sauron growing more aware of him.Bilbo had offered him a room, and while Taranis had no real need for a bed, he found solace in the hobbit's company, enjoying the slower pace of life. They often spent time over tea or at the hearth, where Bilbo would recount his adventures in Rivendell and beyond, and Taranis would share tales of his battles, though he left out the parts about the system and the powers he had gained.One evening, as they sat in the warm glow of the fire, Taranis couldn't help but feel a growing sense of dread, knowing that his time in the Shire would be short-lived. The Nazgûl were likely still hunting him, and soon he would have to face them."Bilbo," Taranis said, breaking the comfortable silence, "I know you never really had much use for fighting, but... do you ever feel like you're waiting for something?"Bilbo looked up from his book and chuckled softly. "Waiting? In my case, it's mostly waiting for more second breakfast." He grinned, but then his expression softened. "Though, you're right. I do wonder sometimes. I've had my fair share of adventures, but the Shire feels... safe, for now."Taranis leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly. "Safety can be an illusion," he muttered, a thought he had often considered. "And I don't think either of us are meant for such quiet lives."Bilbo's smile faded just a little. "Well, if the world outside is as dangerous as you've told me, I'm glad we have some peace, even if it's just for a time."Taranis nodded, though the weight of his thoughts pressed on him. "I'm glad you're here, Bilbo," he said, quietly, before the conversation shifted. It had been a while since Taranis had thought of his old life on Earth, and even longer since he had heard the deep hum of the gamer system.Still, Taranis knew the peace wouldn't last forever.Aredhel's escape from the Greenwood was no simple matter. The daughter of Thranduil, weary of the confines of her father's kingdom and her disagreements with his reign, made a daring decision to flee. She had always felt a disconnect between her father's cold, aloof rule and her own ideals. Her heart yearned for freedom, to see the world beyond the borders of the Greenwood.The night she slipped away was dark and quiet, with only the soft rustling of leaves to accompany her as she made her way through the dense forests. Aredhel, skilled in the ways of the elves, moved silently, a shadow in the night, avoiding any patrols that might have been sent to watch for her. Her heart was heavy with the knowledge that her departure would cause a great deal of pain to her father, but it was a choice she had to make.She traveled alone for many days, navigating through the wilds of Middle-earth, before reaching the Shire—a place she had heard of in the whispers of travelers. It was there that she hoped to find some semblance of peace, and, perhaps, meet an old acquaintance she had only heard stories of—Taranis.When she finally arrived at the peaceful, rolling hills of the Shire, she found herself in awe of the simplicity and tranquility of the place. It was a sharp contrast to the grandeur of the elven kingdoms, but somehow it felt right. She had heard of Taranis through rumors and tales—his bravery, his strength, and his part in the great battles of the Five Armies. To find him here, in such an unassuming land, seemed almost like fate.Aredhel approached Bilbo's home, curious if the man she sought was truly living here. She had no idea how the meeting would go, but she trusted that the Shire, a land of peace and hospitality, would offer her refuge, at least for a while. She knocked on the door of Bag End, the place where Taranis had found solace.Bilbo opened the door, a bit surprised to see a fair-haired elf standing before him. But the elf's presence was not unfamiliar; there was something about her that reminded him of a distant, ancient time."Good evening," Bilbo said, giving her a polite bow. "Can I help you?""I hope so," Aredhel replied with a graceful smile, her elven voice carrying an air of nobility. "I seek Taranis. I was told he might be here."Bilbo raised an eyebrow, his face lighting up with recognition. "Ah, Taranis, yes! He's inside, resting. Come in, come in. He's been a bit on edge lately, but I'm sure he'd be pleased to see you."As Aredhel stepped into the warm, cozy hobbit hole, she felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. She had made the right choice by coming here. Taranis was indeed within, and for the first time in many years, she felt like she might be able to rest.Taranis, who had been quietly reading by the fire, turned when he heard the soft sound of footsteps behind him. His eyes widened slightly when he saw Aredhel standing there."Aredhel?" Taranis asked, his voice a mix of surprise and uncertainty.Aredhel smiled, her long, silver hair shimmering in the firelight. "It's been a while, Taranis. I thought I might find you here."Taranis stood up, still processing the surprise of her sudden appearance. "What brings you to the Shire?" he asked, his gaze flickering to the door. "I never expected to see you outside of Mirkwood, let alone in the land of hobbits.""I needed to leave," Aredhel said softly. "Things in Mirkwood... weren't right. I couldn't stay any longer. So I sought peace here. And perhaps a friend to speak with."Taranis studied her for a moment, recognizing the quiet sadness in her eyes. He knew what it was like to long for freedom, to be burdened by the weight of one's heritage. He had his own reasons for leaving Bree, for leaving behind the life he had known."Well, you've found a quiet place," Taranis said, nodding toward the small but cozy hobbit home. "Bilbo's hospitality knows no bounds. You're welcome to stay here as long as you need, Aredhel.""Thank you," she replied, settling down beside the fire. "I may need to rest for a time... and I would welcome a friend to talk to. Things have been difficult."Taranis sat down beside her, the warmth of the fire between them offering some comfort. "I understand," he said. "We all have our burdens. But here, in the Shire, I think we can both find a little peace."As the fire crackled softly in the hearth, Aredhel looked over at Taranis, her expression thoughtful. The journey ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, she felt like she was exactly where she needed to be.