"I... I do not understand," Thorin uttered breathlessly, his heart heavy with the weight of the revelations.
"Indeed, there is no other way to explain it," the Wizard chuckled, a knowing look exchanged between him and Anaynah, still in her Dragon form.
"Thorin, there is much to explain. I will try to the best of my abilities. Many wonders there are in Middle Earth and this is one of the most wondrous of all. This creature that stands before us is the true form of the girl that has been travelling with us the last few months," The Wizard spoke sternly, "She is, what is potentially the last of her kind. A Dovahkin. A breed born with the blood of the great serpents in their veins, having the power to shift between two forms, a most rare race."
"You mean to tell me that this beast is Anaynah?" The Dwarf spat.
As the Company gazed upon the magnificent creature, uncertainty filled the air. How was it possible?
How was it that this was sweet Anaynah? It was unfathomable. But as they gazed deeper into its eyes, the more they recognised, the more human it appeared. The aura the Dragon radiated was the same warm, loving aura that emitted Anaynah.
"Yes, Thorin. It is truly Anaynah. So lower your weapons, all of you. For she will bring you no harm."
The Dragon, now who they learnt was Anaynah, let out a sort of smoke from her nostrils.
"Witchcraft!" Gloin exclaimed, raising his axe to the air.
"Sorcery!"
"Traitor!"
"Do not be absurd! This is no enchantment!" Gandalf boomed through the clamour.
"I do not believe it. I saw her! She fell." Their leader argued back.
"No, uncle," a soft voice emerged from the back of the group. Fili made his way forward through the Dwarves, "She jumped. But then she emerged, can you not see it? It is her."
The Dragon let out a purr-like sound, a rumble that resonated through the air.
"Gandalf... how could you keep such a secret from us? How could you allow this Dragon to trick us all?" Thorin's words spilled out, a mix of disbelief and accusation, "I knew, from the very start. All these years you have had us deceived." He pointed to the Dragon in distraught.
Gandalf, taken aback by the force of Thorin's harsh words, maintained his calm demeanour amidst the brewing tension.
"Thorin, I understand your anger, but the truth about Anaynah was not mine to reveal," Gandalf asserted, his voice carrying wisdom earned through years his many years of experience.
"From the days of her youth, I have been a witness to her growth, and I assure you, there is no trace of malice in her heart. I trust her with every fibre of my being. She has a crucial role to play in the unfolding of our story before the final chapter is written."
Stepping forward, Gandalf sought to soothe the rising storm within Thorin's heart.
"Thorin, I understand your scepticism, for Dragons have been our age-old adversaries. Trust me, she understands your history with her kind. But Anaynah, she is not our enemy. She is a Dragonborn, a being of immense power who has willingly chosen to stand beside us, to aid us in our quest. It would be wise for us to heed her call and not let our doubts cloud our judgment."
Thorin's anger, once a raging inferno, began to flicker and waver, replaced now, by a speck of curiosity and cautious consideration.
"And how, Gandalf,? How can we truly place our trust in her? Dragons have brought nothing but destruction upon our people. Not just the Dwarves, but all of Middle Earth! The darkness started with them. The tales of their wrath still echo in our minds. Can we simply forget?"
Thorin's rage grew as the harsh words left his lips causing Anaynah to wince, "Why does she hide behind this beast's form, why does she not show her face!"
Of course, Anaynah understood the betrayal he felt. This is what she feared. Anaynah truly comprehended the deep sense of betrayal that enveloped him. She held no blame against him for feeling that way. However, she now had to assert herself. As much as she hated to admit it, in her Dragon form, she found solace and security. The thought of shifting back made her apprehensive, fearing his potential actions in her vulnerable human state.
Gandalf, ever the master of words, took a moment to carefully choose his response, his gaze fixed upon Thorin.
"Thorin, my dear friend, I have borne witness to Anaynah's actions, her unwavering loyalty, and her burning desire for peace. She carries within her a profound longing for redemption, not just for herself, but for her kind as well. It is a chance we must grant her, for in doing so, we may discover a path to a future where old enmities can be laid to rest. Trust may be hard to come by, but it is in these moments of uncertainty that true alliances are forged."
As Gandalf's words hung in the air, Anaynah, the majestic Dragon, gracefully lowered her head, exuding a regal aura that commanded the utmost respect. The Dwarves, though still cautious, couldn't help but feel the lingering remnants of their fear.
From the Dragons mouth a rumble released, causing Gandalf to look up to Anaynah for a moment, before turning back to the Dwarf.
"Thorin, I understand the doubts and anger that consume you," Gandalf spoke with empathy, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom, "But she has offered you her oath of loyalty. There is nothing she would not do for you. Her wish is to atone for the sins of her kind and aid you in your noble quest."
Thorin's brows came together as he tried putting together the pieces of what he was truly seeing.
"Is she... is she speaking to you?" the Dwarf questioned breathlessly, his eyes fixated upon the beast.
"Yes, Thorin. These are her words." Gandalf replied with a sigh of exhaustion.
Thorin's gaze intensified as he studied Anaynah, his initial scepticism slowly yielding to a flicker of trust. The gravity of the moment hung heavy in the air.
"Come here, Thorin," Gandalf beckoned, his gesture urging their leader to step closer. Anaynah, still in her awe-inspiring Dragon form, humbly kept her head low, a symbol of her sincerity. With a mix of hesitation and determination, Thorin cautiously approached the Wizard's side.
"Hold out your hand," Gandalf's request sent a jolt of surprise through Thorin, but deep down, he comprehended the significance of this moment. With a silent gulp, he extended his shaky hand towards the majestic beast's head. The distance between Anaynah's snout and Thorin's hand gradually diminished. Upon their connection, Thorin's initial instinct to flinch was quickly replaced by a growing familiarity with the warmth of her scales. Any doubt he had of the Dragon's identity was long gone, this was truly Anaynah.
A gentle smile graced Gandalf's face as he witnessed this unexpected alliance taking shape before his eyes. Who could have fathomed that the very race of beasts that had once stolen this king's homeland would now stand beside him, aiding in the endeavour to reclaim it? Yet, despite the glimmer of hope, a lingering fear tugged at Gandalf's heart. He worried for Anaynah's safety now that her true identity had been revealed to the Company, for indeed, how could they ever fully trust her now?
Anaynah, sensing the weight of Thorin's trust, responded with a breathy snort, acknowledging the significance of his touch. The Dwarves, still cautious yet willing to follow their leader's judgment, began to develop a glimmer of trust in Anaynah's presence as they watched in awe of the unexpecting sight. Words were not needed. The gaze they exchanged said it all.
I trust you.
The piercing shrieks of the Eagles broke the spell, drawing everyone's attention away from Anaynah's majestic form. As the magnificent creatures soared back towards the Misty Mountains, the company watched in awe. Thorin's gaze shifted beyond the spectacle, focusing on something else in the distance. With a step forward, he edged closer to the precipice.
"Is that what I think it is?" Bilbo's voice rang out with a mix of awe and disbelief, capturing the attention of all. Their eyes fixated on the solitary peak that stands in the distance. The entire company moved forward, eager to catch a better glimpse. Anaynah, remaining in the background, lifted her long neck to gain a better view.
"Erebor... The Lonely Mountain," Gandalf began, his voice filled with solemn reverence, "The last of the Great Dwarf kingdoms in Middle-Earth."
"Our home," Thorin declared, his words laced with pride and determination.
Amidst the excitement, Oin's exclamation about a raven caught everyone's attention.
"A raven! The birds are retiring to the mountain!" he exclaimed.
"That, my dear Oin, is a thrush." Gandalf, with a hint of humour, corrected him. Anaynah couldn't help but release a humorous snort in response.
"But we'll take it as a sign, a good omen," Thorin added with a smile.
"You're right. I do believe the worst is behind us," Bilbo speaks with innocence, his words carrying a sense of hope for the future.
"Well, what shall we do now? Might Miss Anaynah be kind enough to carry us there on her majestic wings?" Dori called out, breaking the silence.
Gandalf's eyes sparkled mischievously as he turned to face Anaynah.
"No, Dori, it would be too perilous for her to fly over the villages of men straight to Erebor. A long time it had been since she has been in this form, and I do not wish to cause her any more strain than necessary. However, I believe she wouldn't mind taking us on a thrilling journey down the Carrock."
The Company members, including Bilbo, were gobsmacked. They had just discovered that their fellow companion was a Dragon, and now they were about to embark on a flight with her.
Anaynah shook her neck, loosening her powerful muscles, and gracefully lowered her head, creating a pathway for the Dwarves to climb onto her back. Sensing their hesitation, Gandalf took the lead, stepping forward and climbing her scales to settle at the base of her neck.
A moment of stillness enveloped the group.
Summoning his courage, Bilbo took a deep breath and followed suit. Anaynah had always placed her trust in him, and now it was his chance to reciprocate.
With a mixture of awe and excitement, he found himself perched behind Gandalf, feeling the immense power of the Dragon beneath him. Only when Thorin took his first step did the rest of the Company find the resolve to join them.
One by one, they ascended the mighty Dragon with determined grunts, carefully positioning themselves along her formidable spine. It was a scene that defied belief. Here they stood, embarking on a perilous quest to reclaim a stolen treasure from a Dragon, all while riding upon the very creature they sought. The irony was palpable, hanging in the air like a charged storm.
Leading the group, Gandalf took his place at the forefront, his weathered hand gliding over Anaynah's scales. Leaning in close, he spoke in a hushed tone.
"Fly."
Anaynah's wings stretched wide, spanning the horizon with their grandeur. The Dwarves shifted uneasily as they felt the immense power pulsating beneath them. With a thunderous rumble, she unleashed a mighty roar into the heavens, a declaration of her dominance. And then, with mischievous eyes gleaming, she launched herself forward, propelling the Company into the skies once more. Their cries of fear mingled with exhilaration as the wind whipped against their faces, a reminder of their precarious position.
Anaynah knew the importance of maintaining a low profile, but this was a rare moment of freedom for her, a return to her true form. It was a sensation both intoxicating and bittersweet, a battle she grappled with. As she gained altitude, her wings gracefully unfurled, carrying them through the skies in a serene glide. The Dwarves once filled with trepidation, now erupted in jubilant cheers, their awe-filled voices echoing through the open sky. The air, crisp and invigorating, caressed Anaynah's scales, rekindling a long-lost sense of bliss.
A weight lifted from Anaynah's heart as she turned her head slightly, stealing a glance at the Dwarves trailing behind her, their faces plastered with the widest of smiles.
Yet, as she soared above the sprawling expanse of lush forest, a nagging thought tugged at her consciousness. Never had she dared to dream that this moment would take place. Never had she imagined that her chosen family would embrace her true nature with such open arms.
Could this be too good to be true?
Indeed it was; it was a deception veiled in ethereal beauty. The fleeting moments of bliss concealed a sinister truth that lurked beneath. Anaynah's contentment with this moment masked the sense of impending doom as if the very fabric of the universe trembled in anticipation.
The heavens would grow sombre, casting an otherworldly glow upon the land, as if Valar themselves mourned the impending chaos.
Anaynah was one step closer to fulfilling her Prophecy.
_______
In the dimly lit depths of a forsaken chamber, cloaked in an impenetrable shroud of shadows, the ethereal Necromancer's voice resonated through the void. Though formless, his presence was strong.
Dol Guldur, a place shrouded in darkness and despair, stood as a formidable stronghold. Its ominous presence cast a chilling shadow, instilling fear in the hearts of those who dare to approach.
From the murky darkness, a faint shadow emerged, revealing the enigmatic presence of a cloaked figure.
"Can you sense her, my loyal servant?" the Necromancer hissed in Black Speech, his voice dripping with malevolence, "Can you feel the frailty of her soul?"
The figure, veiled in a black suit of armour, his silver hair danced in the moonlight, and his golden eyes reflected that of the sun. He responded with a bold voice.
"Yes, my Lord. I have felt the stirring of her awakening once more. The ancient prophecies foretell her return, I feel the connection growing."
A wicked smile curled upon the invisible lips of the Necromancer, his words a mere murmur.
"Ah, the prophecy unfolds as the ancient texts foretold. The one who wields the power to mould the very tapestry of our realm. She shall determine our triumph or downfall."
"What path shall we tread, my Lord?" The dark figure, consumed by a potent blend of trepidation and anticipation, was eager for the hunt.
The Necromancer's voice grew frigid, oozing with tension, as he uttered his final decree.
"Prepare the way, my devoted servant. Rest your soulless body. For soon, you shall embark on a quest to seek her out, for she holds the fortune of all within her grasp. Your destinies are entwined, and when your paths converge, the world shall tremble."
_______
Thats that! Did we expect that reaction from the company? Thorin seemed to be quite trusting, could it all be a ruse or does he truly accept Anaynah for what she is? But alas, here we come to the end of our first book. But Anaynah's story is far from over... This is merely the first chapter of her story.
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- I <3