Nana
" *Thoughts*"
" Westron"
" )Black Speech/ Parseltongue("
" ~Elvish~"
---
"~ Elenion!~" Melda called out to her son, the child, now the age of nineteen, was just the right size to easily hide wherever he wished, often when she needed something of him. She stopped then, sighing as she smoothed out her simple dress, having started to wear such things when she needed to be home more, for Elenion. In fact, she had changed her lifestyle a lot to take care of her son.
A giggle above her caused her to smile, as she looked up and reached her hand towards a small tree, catching the body that jumped out of it with great ease, as the giggle turned into laughter that seemed to make all of the world around them brighter, as even the birds went silent to listen to the musical sound.
"~ Nana, what are we doing today?~" Elenion settled on his hip easily, as Melda started walking back to their house,"~ Today we are going to get you dressed and head to a center of Mirkwood, where the city is, for the day. I need to pick up some supplies from my friend that dwells there, on the outer edge.~"
Elenion looked at her with the same vivid emerald eyes he had as a babe," ~What is it like, Nana?~"
" What is what like?~" Melda asked with a humorous tone, as she knew what Elenion was asking about.
The elfling pouted,"~ You know what I mean. What is the elven city like?"~
Melda thought as she let Elenion walk beside, now holding hands,"~ Well, they are much safer than we are. Most of them reside in homes that are grown within the trees. There are many elves there, and there is a beauty to it that is enchanting.~"
"~ Why don't we live in the trees?~"
Melda chuckled at that," ~Because when I found you, I lived on the ground. I just never bothered to move to a higher dwelling, because I had more to think of than myself, and I can't leave you here to find a tree big enough to hold a home for the both of us. Nevermind the fact that it takes a great amount to skill to grow a proper home within the wood.~"
" ~Why didn't you get other elves to help you?~"
Melda paused for a moment,"~ Because.....~" She then shook her head," ~Nevermind that, have I mentioned the royal family of Mirkwood?"
Elenion shook his head, now interested in what was about to be said, he previous unanswered question forgotten,"~No.~"
Melda nodded,"~ Well, we have a king, Thranduil.~"
"~ Thranduil~?"
Melda nodded," Yes, an old and wise elf. He rules over Mirkwood, and he has a son."
Elenion grew excited at the mentions of a son,"~ Really?!~"
Melda winced," ~ Peace Elenion. You are right next to my ear, I can hear you fine.~" With a swift apology, Melda continued talking," His sons name is Legolas. He as a noble elf with a grand sense of justice. He currently lives within the castle, but the chance of seeing him will be little as we are no going that far into the city.~" She looked at her son," ~Understand?~"
Elenion soaked up her words with a nod, as they soon reached a clearing, a simple wooden house home, much like the simple family, setting in the middle, a black elven horse grazing beside it, not tethered due to it being there of its own free will.
Elenion beamed, when he saw the horse, and he hopped down, rushing over to the midnight themed stallion,"~ Sirius!~"
Melda stopped, as she watched boy and horse greet and play together. Sirius was named by Elenion when the steed came to them ten years ago, and it has not left since, becoming part of their little family. Even with all the seasons passed, the horse seemed unaffected by time. Something that the older elf has chosen to accept.
She closed her eyes for a moment then, taking a moment to be grateful for what she had, she called out,"~ Elenion, come. You need to fix your hair, and change clothes as well. Your clothes are stained with dirt and leaves.~"
Elenion paused in his play, and gave Sirius on last hug before darting inside before Melda, already stripping off his shirt and pants, causing the elven woman to shake her head with a smile," ~Wash up. You smell of stale earth and sweat.~"
The elfling nodded as he walked over to a water bucket, fresh water having been places in it ,from the stream just outside the clearing, this morning. Taking a clean rag, and dipping it into the water, he began wiping away the dirt and grime on his skin, as Melda set a change of fresh clothes out for him.
He then changed and sat down, as Melda walked over, running her fingers through his hair, ridding it of knots skillfully, leaving it to look like black silk that rivaled the color of Sirius's coat" ~And how would you like your hair today, My Little Star?~"
Elenion made a face as he thought for a moment,"~ Can you just braid it today, Nana? Nothing fancy, please.~"
Nodding, Melda started on his hair, skillfully working the locks into a simple braid, tying the end with a green string, leaving it to hang at his middle back, a few bangs framing his face," ~There you go, Elenion. Now let me dress, and we'll be on our way. You can go wait outside with Sirius if you wish. In fact, go saddle Sirius up, so we can be off sooner.~"
Nodding Elenion stood up from the small stool, and exiting the home, as Melda turned to dress in some pants and a tunic herself. She also made sure to grab her bow and a quiver of arrows.
---
Elenion was already in the saddle when Melda came out, and smiled, looking at the two. With Sirius in riding gear, and Elenion settled in the saddle, holding the reins. Both with black hair that shines in the sun, they were a sight to see.
She shook her head then, and walked forward, swinging into the saddle, as her son moved up, holding onto Sirius's mane," ~Shall we be off then?~"
Elenion grinned at her and nodded," ~Yep.~"
Barely tapping their mounts flanks, Sirius took off at a steady canter, taking them deeper into the forest, along a path that shined with sunlight showing the safety of the forest path at it's fullest. Though Melda knew it was an illusion. Mirkwood had it's evils, but the path was safer during the day.
They soon reached a point where the trees widened in space and above were bridges and houses, many voices chattering up in the treetops. Elenion, who had grown bored during the ride there, didn't notice until Melda leaned forward, whispering into Elenions ear," ~We're here, Little One.~"
Elenion instantly perked up,"~ Really?!~"
As he looked in wonder, Melda steered Sirius through the wooden paths to an old oak that held a house in its trunk, and she slid off of Sirius, as he stopped, lifting Elenion from the horse's back. "~ Here we are, Elenion. Make sure to behave, alright?~"
He nodded,"! Don't worry, I will, Nana.!"
Leaving Sirius to graze on the patches of soft grass that was along the paths, they walked to the door, and Melda knocked, an elderly elven woman opening the door, her hair also blonde, but worn lines faint upon her still beautiful features, proof that she was one with a story to tell , hazel eyes smiling when they saw who was at the door,"~ Melda, it is good to know that you remembered to come today. What you asked was just finished yesterday.~"
Melda smiled and nodded,"~ Anytime, Rawodhiel.~"
Rawodhiel then looked down, at Elenion, whom was hidden behind Melda's legs, peaking out at the new elf,"~ And you must be Melda's son. She has spoke much of you since the day she had found you.~"
Elenion blushed at the attention, and Rawodhiel chuckled moving aside,"~ Well come in, the both of you. I have some fruit that I just picked so go ahead and help yourself. I'll go get the items you requested.~"
Melda nodded as she walked in, and Elenion darted, out from behind her, over to the fruits looking at them and picking up one to eat.
Melda sat down on a chair, as Elenion settled on the ground beside her, Rawodhiel returning with a couple wooden boxes, setting them before the family of two, before settling in a chair of her own," ~Well, there you go.~"
Melda nodded with a smile,"~ Thank you, Rawodhiel.~"She looked at Elenion, gesuring to the boxes,"~ These are for you, Elenion. Why not open them up?~"
Elenion paused mid-bite, looking at his Nana is surprise, "~For me?~" A nod reassured him, and he grinned, standing up and finishing off the fruit before he reached for the first box, the largest, and undid the clasp, with a little help from Melda. Before him, now, as a bow, finely made with wood that was almost as black as his hair, carving along it showing the small things from his childhood, from the leaves he played in, to a black horse from when Sirius came to them, to the stars, in the center of the black bow, symbolizing his namesake.
He looked at Melda in surprise,"~ This is mine?~"
Melda nodded,"~ Yes, it's too big for you now, so you'll use my old bow, but when you're older, this bow will be yours to wield, so use it well.~" Elenion want to hug her in thanks, when she stopped him,"~ Not yet. Open your next gift.~"
Elenion blinked in confusion at that, and turned back to the boxes, noticing the other box, smaller than the box that held the box, was decorated with carvings, and he undid the clasp, shell-shocked at what was within it. A circlet, made of silver twisted to look like the vines he often played on, a emerald gem in the center. He looked at Melda in shock,"~ Where did you get this, Nana?~"
Melda smiled and gestured to Rawodhiel, and Elenion looked at her in surprise, as she smiled kindly," ~It was a special request from your Nana, Young Elenion. Something to remain with you for the rest of your days. It is enchanted to grow as you grow, and only you may remove it from your person.~"
Elenion picked up the circlet and placed it upon his head, finding that it indeed fit perfectly, as he turned towards Melda, tears at the edge of his eyes, as he leaped forward, and hugged her, snuggling into her, as she smiled and patted his back, "~ I'm sure you will use these gifts well, Elenion.~"
He nodded with great enthusiam,"~ Of course I will. You got them for me, after all.~"
Rawodhiel nodded, then looked out her window, returning her gaze to the mother and son,"~ Well, gather your things, the both of you. The sun will set soon, and you have a ways to travel. I feel that there will be darkness within the forest tonight.~"
Both nodded, Elenion confused while Melda's expression turned serious for a moment. They then stood up, preparing to leave.
---
Now home, Elenion slept as Melda sat in a chair by the window, watching the stars, at peace before something made her spine grow cold, and her heartbeat pick up. Something was out there, just beyond the clearing of their home. She stood up and rushed outside, her instincts drive her to act. She swiftly saddled the black horse once more, and rushed inside, grabbing Elenions clothes and his black bow, tying them to the saddle, as she then got the elfling himself, shaking him awake,"! Elenion, My Star, you must rise now.!"
He opened his eyes, reading his Nana's features,growing fearful," ~What's wrong. Nana?~"
She shook her head, "~ I do not know, but we must flee. Come.~"
She lifted the boy from the bed and carried him outside, setting him in the saddle,"~ We need to get to Rawodhiel, where it is safe.~"
She then went to climb into the saddle, when a humanhoid figure, clad in black armor, upon a nightmare steed, stepped out into the clearing. It got off of the horse, as Melda turned, pulling out a short elven sword, prepared to defend her son.
") Give us the elfling, and your death will be swift!("
Melda snarled, not understanding
the Ring Wraith, though Elenion had, as he whimpered in fear, trying to hide in the saddle. A few moment pasted, and the Nazgul grew impatient and attacked Melda, as she brough up her swrd to block his own. In a flurry of clashing metal, sparks, and movement, Melda cried out,"~ Elenion, go! Now!~"
That was the moment the Ringwraith took advantage off, stabbing her right though the middle, then yanking the sword out, waiting for her to fall.
Elenion cried out, seeing the blood soaking her clothes, as she staggered," Nana!"
She then turned, slowing making her way to her son, leaning against the saddle, and raised her hand. "~ Elenion, don't ever forget that I love you.~" She then slapped Sirius's hindquarters, sending him at a gallop without her, taking Elenion further from her, as she fell, the smell of blood filling her nose, as her eyes closed.
In that moment, as the Nazgul screeched and turned to mount it's own horse in a poor attempt to chase, her last words were," ~Live, Elenion, My Star.~"
Elenion cried out, wanting Sirius to stop and go back for Melda, though the black stallion did not slow, only speeding up in response.
When the black stallion finally did stop, he was before the home of Rawodhiel, who came outside, hearing the horse approach," ~Elenion?~"
She rushed to the mounts side, seeing Elenion on the saddle crying, looking at her," ~N-Nana… A black monster attacked us before she could get on…~"
Rawodhiel pulled the elfling from the saddle, holding him close as he cried out all his pain, clinging to her faint green dress, both knowing that Melda was gone.
The elderly elven woman gathered herself first,"~ Come, Elenion, lets clean you up, and give you something warm.~"
She looked at Sirius, and nodded in thanks for his trouble, and led the elfling into the tree house, where he would finish out his childhood, always remembering the loss of Melda, his Nana…. His Mother.