Emerge the Dragonborn | The Hobbit

Epilogue

Sat by the riverbank, a dark curly haired ranger absorbed in the ancient text spread open on her lap. The leather-bound pages were weathered and yellowed with age, the inked runes and diagrams speaking of forgotten wisdoms and arcane knowledge. The rhythmic sound of the river's flow provided a calming counterpoint to the weight of the words she was studying, a temporary respite from the usual hustle.

A white stallion grazed peacefully near her, his ears flicking occasionally at the sounds of the forest around them. The sun cast dappled shadows through the trees, creating a serene mosaic on the ground.

Her solitude was gently interrupted by the approach of two figures, their footsteps soft against the river's pebbly shore.
Jahan, his stride purposeful yet easygoing, was the first to speak as he closed the distance to where the ranger sat.

"There you are!" Jahan's voice carried a note of relief mixed with playful exasperation. "You're not an easy one to track down."

Anaynah looked up from her book with a small smile, her eyes briefly catching the glint of sunlight reflected off the water. "The Dúnedain village isn't so large, Jahan," she replied in a teasing tone. "You and Strider here are simply too daft."

Aragorn, standing beside Jahan with the quiet assurance of a seasoned ranger, nodded in acknowledgment of Anaynah's remark. His expression, though tinged with the gravity of their shared responsibilities, held a warmth that spoke of camaraderie.

"I'll forgive that insult for now," Aragorn said with a hint of amusement. "But we do have urgent matters to discuss."

Anaynah's curiosity was immediately piqued, sensing the seriousness in Aragorn's demeanor. "What have I done now?"

"We've received word from an old friend," Jahan explained, his voice betraying a sense of urgency. "The Wandering Wizard wishes to meet with you."

"Gandalf?" Anaynah's surprise was palpable. Memories stirred within her, memories of a wise and enigmatic figure whose counsel had guided her through dark times. She stood up, brushing off her clothes and sensing the seriousness in Aragorn's demeanor.

Just then, the stallion whinnied softly, shifting again as if sensing the tension in the air as he trotted over. Anaynah turned slightly, her hand instinctively reaching out to calm him. "Easy, Haldor," she murmured, rubbing his neck soothingly. The horse leaned into her touch, finding comfort in her presence

"The last time Gandalf summoned you, it led to quite the journey," Jahan teased lightly. Anaynah rolled her eyes for he was not wrong.

"Yes," Aragorn confirmed. "He has summoned us to Bree."

Anaynah furrowed her brow, trying to decipher Gandalf's intentions. "Any idea why?"

"He was typically vague," Aragorn admitted. "But he has a task for us, said it was of the upmost importance."

"Oh?" Anaynah's heart skipped a beat. Thoughts raced through her mind, "What is this task about?"

"About a ring," Aragorn continued, watching Anaynah closely.

Anaynah's breath caught in her throat. The word 'ring' burned into her soul, stirring ancient fears that had long lain dormant. As Aragorn spoke, her vision seemed to blur momentarily, and in the depths of her mind, she saw it, the vision that was all too familiar. A pupil shrouded in darkness and flame, an abyss of malevolence, bore into her soul, planting a seed of unease and uncertainty that threatened to engulf her very being.

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