The Star Daughter
In the far north there dwelt a star in the midnight sky, given the name Ruaathiat, when first began the second age, and it became its brightest on the five-hundredth year, when Sauron had begun to stir. In that time there wandered a maiden, secret and cunning, her form light and swift, while her features were fair, and her sea-grey eyes lit with the light of stars. Flaxen hair, trailed and highlighted with a silver hue like that of the moonlight glistening upon the smooth bark of a silver beech, framed the gentle and delicately pale features. She was a sword maiden, wielding a blade fair and strong, yet of what origin, none knew, and by way of her sly manner and crafty ways, the maiden was forgotten by many and her story was lost.
Clasped to the neck of this maiden, there rested a pendant, a blue oblong crystal, with a depth none could see the end of, but to her it was a pool of vision. It was entwined with the lightest and most pure of silver which formed a star of six rays, yet all delicately crafted, as though no flaw could ever exist in such a piece.
An elven lord of that time, Gelmir Helyanwe, a craftsman of sword and a keeper of lore, witnessed the arrival of this fair maiden to newly founded Imladris, during the seventeen-hundredth year of the second age, and her fairness was then noticed, for she bore stronger features than did most elven-kind, and grace was in her step, though strength was seen within her eyes. He came to believe she was of the Valar, or even a star come to dwell among his kindred, and sadness was in him when she parted after only a few years, but determined to know more of this maiden, he followed her step, even though her path took her far.
When his path met with hers, she divulged to him her name, Arivain, which he knew well meant “Silver Spirit”, and Rualanna, a meaning that puzzled and intrigued him, for it translated “Star Daughter” He questioned her of this, and finding trust within the elven lord, she relieved of herself the burdening secret, and thus it was revealed that she was one, born of the stars, coming to dwell among the elven kind, though she knew not the reason, and was ever in search of the truth behind her task unseen. In the days and years to follow, he went ever with her in her search, yet only the dark rumors and the news of discontent growing among the Numenoreans was heard and found.
Then came a day when the maiden and the lord were forced to part, as his kindred called him, and her search called to her to continue. On that day she gave to him the jewel which dwelt clasped around her neck and it was told to him by Arivain that the gem held her life within it, the life and light of the Ruaathiat, wrought of the stars, and guardian to those who were bound to the stars held within the fair pendant. To him she murmured words of devotion to his heart before she parted, and ever did he long to follow, but he knew his way was of an opposite destiny.
Their paths, however, were not parted forever, and before the thirty-hundredth year of the second age, they met once again, and to his heart such joy was brought, as it was to hers alike, and they were soon wed, for no longer, spoke Gelmir, could he dwell apart from her and she spoke the same to him. Yet before they were bound in marriage, Arivian had taken on a form more akin to an elf-kindred, her hair now dark and eyes of a more umber color, for such was the gift to do so, given to her of the stars, as she forsook her true star-born form.
As they dwelt quietly, little did they know that in Arivain’s search for truth and her destiny, she brought with her a dark shadow to their lives. Yet in a year of bliss, to them were born two sons, whom they named Erthloren, and Lethlorn, but the first of darkness struck when the younger of the twins, Lethlorn, was taken while they were resting through the dark hours of the night.
To Gelmir’s dismay, Arivain grew angered and her long forgotten wanderlust again burned within her as she despaired and went in search of her taken son, but he followed, faithful to his bond. In her travels the star maiden uncovered more truths to what lay behind her task, though it brought her deeper and closer to the darkness which dwelt still beyond her knowledge, a darkness overshadowed by that of Sauron, causing the silent threat to remain unseen. Yet Gelmir convinced Arivain to relinquish her search and take rest, to return to raise their elder son, Erthloren.
The fall of Sauron brought ease to their minds, and it was in the first year of the Third Age that Arivain gave birth to a girl, whom she named Dhodrimme Rualanna, though for reasons only known to her, she insisted that her given name be kept silent, while upon the infant was bestowed the second name Silmarwen Idril. Yet fate struck again, as Arivain was mysteriously slain while returning from a visit to Imladris, leaving Gelmir with a son and a daughter to raise on his own. Sadness was in him, for he had held her as she slipped beyond the life they knew together, but her final words beckoned him to pass to their daughter the destiny of her star-born mother, for such was the fate of that line ever more. He swore to this request that he would fulfill it faithfully, and with a gentle whisper of farewell, he placed a parting kiss against her lips before she faded.
In the years that followed, Gelmir, as an Elven-silversmith, crafted the finest of swords, and as Silmarwen grew, she was ever fascinated by the skill in the crafting of such steel, watching also as her father taught Erthloren, her elder brother, how to master blade and bow. She too insisted on learning these skills, and though Gelmir was reluctant to do so, he began to instruct his young daughter as well. She and her brother would often spar, calling it a match many times, while her eyes glinted with an ember glow to the ring of the steel, as though she were born to such skill.
With pride the father looked on upon his children, his son, strong and tall, much akin to his father, while his daughter held the elven-form of her mother in her features, her hair aflame when the sun danced upon it, and her eyes alive with the life that dwelt there. Still Gelmir carried the Ruaathiat gem close to his heart, and when he knew the time was right, he gave to Silmarwen the pendant, and with it, the truth of the existence and being of her mother.
Curious was she at first, to what still lay behind the story as well as what remained to be discovered, and thus was the first inkling of wanderlust placed upon her spirit, but she did not discover it fully until the death of her father, who was slain as he was journeying to Lorien, and so began her wanderings. For the many years that followed, Silmarwen would not remain in one place for long, ever in search of the truth behind her mother’s slaying, and not knowing the true name which dwelt upon her spirit, nor the destiny she would discover...
Beginning of the Second Age: The coming of the Ruaathiat and Arivain Rualanna, mother of Dhodrimme Rualanna, to Middle Earth.
1700th year of the Second Age: Arivain arrives at newly founded Rivendell, meeting Gelmir Helyanwe.
Prior the 3000th year, Second Age: Arivain weds Gelmir and takes an appearance different than her star-born form, subjecting her future children to the same disguise.
Near and during the 3000th year: Erthlorn and Lethlorn are born. Lethlorn is taken by one named Naznor and Arivain leaves in search.
Shortly Prior to the Third Age: Arivain returns and settles down to raise her remaining son with Gelmir.
First Year of the Third Age: Dhodrimme Rualanna is born, given the cover name of Silmarwen Idril.
Fifth Year of the Third Age: Arivain is slain, leaving Gelmir to raise alone Silmarwen and Erthlorn.
47th Year of the Third Age: Gelmir divulges to his daughter the secret of Arivain’s true nature and gives to Silmarwen the Ruaathiat gem.
Throughout the Third Age: Silmarwen wanders the lands of Middle Earth in search of the truth to her mother’s death.
3rd Year of the Fourth Age: Silmarwen weds Eric the Lionhearted.
17th Year of the Fourth Age: Avashti Rualanna is born to Eric and Silmarwen.
29th Year of the Fourth Age: Charsagen(Sagen) the Valiant and Zardan the Bold are born. Silmarwen’s husband vanishes.
36th Year of the Fourth Age: Zardan vanishes and Silmarwen’s search brings her to discover Arivain’s diary and writings, leading her to further discovery of the dark secret of an evil growing.
37th Year (or near) of the Fourth Age: Silmarwen first meets Aemornion, as well as Revontulet, Eleniel, Aedail, and Eomira.
41st Year of the Fourth Age: Silmarwen finds the truth behind rumors, discovering Malyr (War-Bringer) and his infiltrating followers within the realm of Gondor and seeks to disrupt his plans.
Silmarwen is severely wounded by Malyr, the pain of it to plague her from then on.
Aemornion slays Malyr, ending the threat of darkness, or so they believed.
42nd-43rd Years of the Fourth Age: Silmarwen is given her true form as wielder of the Ruaathiat and daughter to a star-born, thus taking the name given her at birth, Dhodrimme Rualanna.
The lost forging ways of old are again rediscovered by a Gondorian sword smith and the first sword is presented to Dhodrimme by Lord Aragorn for her efforts against Malyr. Thus begins the renewal of the skills of old.
A deadly illness ravages the half-elven of Rivendell, Sagen is among the victims. All ends well when a cure is found through a healer in Minas Tirith by way of Aemornion’s direction.
Dhodrimme releases her bond to immortality, pledging the remainder of her days to Aemornion.
45th Year of the Fourth Age: Darkness is rumored again, the name Naznor is no longer rumored, nor Malyr or Sauron, but those named the Servants of Shinu.
Aemornion is reported missing along with several of his fellow comrades when they sail from Dol Amroth to Pelargir, a sudden storm of unnatural behavior occurring during their journey, the wreckage appearing on shore.
46th Year of the Fourth Age: Ties are rejoined between old friends, and those who reunite struggle to seek for the others.
47th Year of the Fourth Age: Dhodrimme's immortality is fading and she begins to write her experiances and those of others, continuing the written work her mother began.
Aemornion, returning from his dissappearance, is met by Dhodrimme as she visits the Shore of Memories.
Hope is Kindled yet darkness still grows and distance still remains between the two.
48th-49th Year of the Fourth Age: Aemornion is again presumed dead. After a long imprisonment and an injury which takes its toll on her strength, Dhodrimme journeys to the North and there on the highest of the Ered Mithrin she breaths her last and now remains to rest for eternity.
Here follows the record of Dhodrimme's departure:
Silently Dhodrimme stood with her features turned towards the breeze streaming across the surface of the lake, though mountains beyond held her gaze. Her attire was that of a grey silk tunic, soft brown doe-skin breeches, and a cloak of blue silk with silver threading along the edge. It was simple, yet all she needed on this journey.
Out of the light mist that cloaked the clearing, Eomira appeared walking over to the silent maiden with a soft murmur, though her words were straight to the point.
“You're really leaving them?”
“And without word?” Aedail added as he made his appearance as well. The man limped heavily and leaned upon a staff for support.
Dhodrimme drew in a slow breath yet did not turn to face Eomira or Aedail as she paused, allowing a silent moment to pass before answering.
“My heart no longer dwells here, Eomira, it would be cruel of me to remain, when I cannot give my devotion to those I still hold dear...” She spoke again as she turned the glance of her grey eyes towards them finally with a gentle smile. “Would you have me give word to all and risk being hindered on my final journey, Aedail?”
Eomira turned, smiling brightly at Aedail's presence.
“Finally turned up did you?” She murmured and touched the man’s shoulder gently before turning back to her friend. “I know old friend. The heart can't stay where it feels it can't belong”
“No,” Aedail responded with first a snort then a soft sigh, “but I expected you to at least tell those closest to you... I, for one, will not hinder your departure.”
Revontulet silently walked over to the others and stopped at Aedail's side.
“Neither will I” She spoke with a solemn expression, the feelings in her dark eyes deeper than usually.
Eomira glanced at Revontulet, smiled slightly, then looked back at Dhodrimme.
“You'll be sorely missed my friend...”
Dhodrimme nodded her head slowly, her glance lowering for a moment as she spoke. “As will I miss those of you here... each one of you, and those who are not now present... Even from beyond this world, after life is departed, I will miss you...”
Nodding for a moment, Eomira bit her lip to fight back tears before taking Dhod's hand and pressing something into it, saying, “To remember me by...”
Her Stewardess Ring lay in the other woman’s palm.
With a lowered glance to the ring in her hand before raising her eyes, Dhodrimme shook her head.
“I cannot take this to where I am going, my dear friend, you would not have it back... Would you still have me take it to the highest peak of the Grey Mountains and there let the snows be its home?”
“It has no value in this world any longer, save only as a keepsake of a different time.” Came the reply as Eomira closed Dhodrimme's hand around the ring. “Take it.”
Frowning at Dhodrimme's words, Revontulet murmured, “So you're not going-...” Leaving the sentence unfinished, she lowered her gaze in realization, and tears filled her eyes.
“Then I thank you, Eomira, for the thoughts shall be with me then...” Her voice then softened as she turned her glance upon Revontulet. “Nay, I am not leaving these shores in body, only in spirit...”
Shaking her head and wiping her eyes fiercely, she began to protest, “But... but...” Letting out a sigh Revontulet looked at her friend again, accepting her choice. “The White City... You must, don't you?” She still murmured with a saddened smile.
“Nay, the White City holds nothing for me and I have nothing for her... my eyes shall see it from only a distance perhaps yet nothing more can I do in this battle... My task is completed, and my time was well spent...” Dhodrimme replied.
“That it was Dhod, and don't ever allow yourself to think differently” Eomira responded with a determined nod.
Nodding, Revontulet spoke. “I know. And for some the battle is already over. And for some it was a new beginning.”
Revontulet turned her head as she heard a cry from the forest and a young man walked over and placed a newborn baby onto her arms. She thanked the man then turned to Dhodrimme.
“Here's someone I want you to meet before you go.”
Wonder crossed Dhodrimme expression and she offered a slow, yet cheered smile.
“A new life, a new beginning, and with this I set my heart at peace, for as one life ends, a new must beginning. May it be that of your child, my dear Revontulet.”
With that, she drew first Eomira into a warm embrace then Revontulet with her left arm, her right arm still remaining immobile.
“I have smiled, I have laughed, I have cried, I have felt both pain and joy... I have lived and I have lived to know you, to know the others... I would change nothing, I regret nothing...” she spoke again.
Eomira embraced Dhod tightly with a nod.
“You've seen more than all of us put together, Dhod, and persevered through it all.” Eomira said before pulling back, giving an encouraging smile. “I'm glad I got to be a small part of your journey”
“So am I.” Revontulet reiterated as she embraced her friend warmly, minding the child in her arms, yet unable to hold back tears.
“Dhodrimme..it's been an honor..” Aedail spoke finally as he limped forward, giving her a sideways embrace due to the staff in hand.
Touching her lips and forehead with her fingers and then placing her hand on her chest, Revontulet again spoke, “My friendship, love and loyalty... I would have died for you, my friend.”
“You were all a large part of my life... the part that brought me to truly live life as it should be lived... as though it was only one lifetime, for previously I lived in my immortality...” Dhodrimme responded, nearly overwhelmed with the devotion they showed as she returned the embrace given by Aedail, nodding slowly before speaking again. “Likewise it has been my honor, Aedail...And I thank you, Revon...The child there shall receive that devotion now...”
Taking in a deep breath she cast a glance towards the lake, her voice quiet. “I will ride Shavain to her homeland hills, and there I shall release her... from there I shall travel on foot to the peaks of the Grey Mountains and look my last upon the lands I love best...”
Eomira brushed tears away and stepped aside slightly. “You'll always be immortal here Dhod...in story and memory”
“And in song. We will always remember the warrior maiden, the star among us...” Aedail declared.
“Remember those who made the warrior maiden who she is also, Aedail, for without them, the star would have had no light...” Dhodrimme insisted.
Eomira spoke with a nod, “But the light came from within...the radiance of her own kind heart”
Revontulet, having been momentarily silent, spoke again, “If it must be that way, I will give my devotion to this child. If she is part of my future, she shall know you, and among my people she shall be known as Silmarwen.”
Dhodrimme swallowed at the honor given by Revontulet, and her grey eyes glimmered with unshed tears.
“You hold me too high in honor, all of you, yet I thank you for that, for all this is what has kept me strong and given me reason to smile”
Standing behind a tree, Morrigan’s small brow creased as she regarded the others clearly making farewells. The young girl took a deep breath, her green eyes widened.
Eomira glanced back seeing Morrigan and smiled gently while motioning to her.
“Come on little one. You have as much a right as any...”
The young girl pushed out of the trees and walked towards Dhod falteringly, stopping before the small group.
“I didn't know you was goin' away.” She tried to keep her features under control as she spokes in a small voice.
“Ai, do not call her little, she is a growing girl now!” Dhodrimme spoke first to Eomira, her features carring a wider smile as she offered a hand towards Morrigan.
“Come... You I shall miss dearly indeed, for all the devotion you have shown... Indeed I am leaving... but my spirit shall be with you, and the others, for all times... if you look to the stars, there among them shines the Ruaathiat, and it is by that star you may speak to me, at any time, from any place...”
Morrigan took Dhodrimme's hand, not saying a word as her face crumpled and she hugged the woman tightly.
Revontulet closed her eyes as streams of tears poured from them.
“We will always think of you fondly. It lightens my heart to know that you will be close to the sky.” The Northerner murmured.
Eomira in turn lowered her eyes for a moment, then calmly raised them to look towards the vast sky before glancing at Dhodrimme.
”Aye, the world will be a little less bright without it's star...but the night will shine even more”
Having to depart, Aedail swiftly offered his farewell, “If I ever seem far away...” He quickly unfastened a string from his harp, offering it to her as a token before taking his leave.
“And I thank you, Aedail...” She murmured as she inclined her head, placing the string safely in her vest pocket.
Morrigan finally shook her head, the incomprehension of a child softening her features and furrowing her brow.
“Y'can' go away Dhoddy. Y'me mam.” The young girl blurted.
Dhodrimme drew Morrigan close against her with her left arm and held her comfortingly, her heart paining to see the girl's turmoil.
“And I will watch you still, Mor... Yet my heart is not strong enough to keep me here... my spirit longs to be freed...” Speaking these words, she raised her glance to Eomira and Revontulet, the tears finally slipping down her features.
Taking a shuddering breath the young girl fought to keep tears at bay as she murmured, “I ken. I ken. I'll m-miss ye.” She paused and forced her voice and accent into submission, repeating, “I will miss you.”
The woman leaned to press a kiss to the top of Morrigan's head softly with gentle words. “I will also miss you, dear...”
Revontulet embraced Dhodrimme one more time before taking a step back in order to glance upon her face one last time. The embrace was returned with a gentle smile.
”I love you, my friend. Thank- Thank you, for everything. May you find peace.” Revontulet spoke.
With those words, the Northerner turned around and walked into the forest, crying on her way. In much the same manner Eomira departed, and Dhodrimme bid the woman of Rohirrim blood a fond farewell.
“May the Valar watch over you and keep you...” She murmured as the two women departed.
“Don' fergit to wash behind y'ears ev'ry night, an' eat y'veggies. 'kay?” Morrigan insisted with a forced smile, the last remaining individual in the star-maiden’s farewell.
“Indeed I shall be sure to do that, dear Mor... and you better do the same” Dhodrimme promised with a slow grin working across her features, her hand moving to ruffle Morrigan’s hair gently.
“I'll wash me ears. I ain' eatin' nuthin' that came outta the dirt...” The young girl wrinkled her nose.
“Then eat plenty of fruit... they come from trees...” The woman smiled.
“Will ye e'er come back, Dhoddy?” Morrigan question, bypassing the comment on the fruit.
“Nay... I will not return, dear Mor... “
“Oh.”
Morrigan’s voice sounded as though the wind had been knocked from her.
“...okay.” She again spoke then swallowed with a frown to maintain stern control on her features. “Righ' then.”
Stroking her hand slowly over the girl's head, the woman took in a slow breath offering a reassuring word.
“I will always be with you, though... just in a different way”
Eyes flickering, the girl had heard this sort of phrase once before.
“Dhod. Ye ain'... gonna... gonna die. Are ye?” she questioned in a quiet, level voice.
Lowering herself to her knees in order to draw the girl into a more level embrace, Dhodrimme spoke no word, her silence answering the question. She had not the slightest notion of how she would tell this girl. Failing to move and return the embrace in shock, for a while Morrigan tried to fathom the situation on her own before giving up.
“I don' understand. I can' understand,” the young girl spoke suddenly.
Attempting to explain, the woman murmured, her own understanding of her heart’s turmoil minimal, “I may have been immortal, dear one, yet I pledged my heart to a mortal and in doing so, bound my life to his... he is gone... and now my heart fades and will not hold for long. Can you understand this, dear Mor...?”
Morrigan nodded slowly, though her eyes betrayed that not all of it was quite within her grasp of understanding. She was a brave girl, however, brave beyond her years and she lifted her chin.
“...I...can. A bit.” Saying this, she shook her head slowly, trying to retain her strength.
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