The Tarnished in LOTR with Elden Ring

Sellen, true to her nature, showed little interest in Dwalin's breathless news about farming. After a quick farewell, Tarnes, Fili, and Kili followed the stout warrior to the lands now designated as the castle's farmstead.

Two Royal Army soldiers, clad in full armor and armed with brass shields and longswords, patrolled the ridges between the fields, their gazes sweeping the surroundings with practiced vigilance.

Upon the meticulously cultivated, fertile black soil, new life had burst forth. Tiny green shoots shimmered with vitality under the Golden Tree's distant radiance, each delicate leaf emitting a soft, ethereal glow.

Three dwarves, each wearing a worn straw hat, were crouched at the edge of a field. Their eyes were fixed on the newly emerged sprouts, their expressions a mixture of profound disbelief and breathless anticipation. Their beards trembled with their astonished gasps, and their calloused palms gently caressed the soil around the seedlings, as if confirming the impossible reality before them.

The air was rich with the scent of fresh earth and the promise of spring.

"By Durin's beard," a dwarf with a magnificent red beard exclaimed, rubbing his eyes. "Am I seeing things, or are these sprouts even bigger than they were a moment ago?"

The other two dwarves—one with a long, pale beard and another who shared his strong features—nodded in vigorous agreement.

Tarnes had just arrived and overheard their conversation. If not for the voice, he might have mistaken the red-bearded dwarf for Gloin. Most dwarves, he had found, shared a certain rugged similarity. Beyond the uniquely handsome features of those like Fili, Kili, and Thorin, Tarnes generally relied on beards, hair, and voices to tell them apart.

Dwalin strode over to the trio with a hearty laugh. "Mr. Tarnes is here. You can ask him your questions directly."

The three dwarves immediately stood and bowed in unison. "Lord Tarnes." They then straightened and turned to the princes. "Good morning, Lord Fili, Lord Kili."

Fili and Kili returned the greeting with warm smiles, then subtly gestured for them to speak with Tarnes. While the greetings were exchanged, Tarnes had already surveyed the fields. They were neatly organized by crop—potatoes, carrots, corn—each section marked with a small wooden sign inscribed with ornate Common script.

The red-bearded dwarf stepped forward, his deep voice filled with wonder. "Mr. Tarnes, did you cast a spell on this field? These seeds shouldn't have sprouted so quickly. Corn, at least, should have taken another three days. But it's been only a single night, and even the other crops have broken ground." He paused, shaking his head in amazement. "What surprises me even more is that every single seed has sprouted. A one-hundred-percent germination rate, without a single diseased seedling among them. It's a miracle."

Tarnes wasn't surprised. This was the effect of the Golden Tree's grace; improving soil and promoting growth were mere side effects of its power. He didn't hide it, pointing toward the distant castle where the great tree stood. "I cast no magic. A little of the Golden Grace bestowed by the tree is responsible for this."

The red-bearded dwarf followed his finger, murmuring, "Ah, yes. The sacred tree from your homeland. It is truly miraculous…"

There are more miracles to come, Tarnes thought silently. If I told you that its grace could also significantly extend your lifespan, I wonder what you would think.

He kept this thought to himself. He was well aware of the desperate desire for longevity among the short-lived races. He knew from his conversations with the dwarves that most Men in Middle-earth lived less than a hundred years, while Elves were immortal. If word spread that the Golden Grace could grant near-immortality, it would bring untold trouble to his door.

He pulled his thoughts back to the present and asked the dwarf, "Based on your experience, how long until these crops mature?"

"Oh, I truly couldn't say, Mr. Tarnes," the dwarf replied, a touch of awkwardness in his voice. "Their growth has already far exceeded my expectations. My past experience is useless here."

Tarnes nodded in understanding, then turned to Fili. "Perhaps you and your kin could stay a few more days? I'd like you to help record the data as the first crops mature. It will be invaluable when my own people begin to reclaim this land."

Fili beamed. "Of course, Teacher. Besides, Kili and I wish to learn more of the Incantations from you and Lady Sellen. Your suggestion is more than welcome."

Dwalin raised an eyebrow at Fili's use of "Teacher" but said nothing.

"There's more," the red-bearded dwarf added. "The situation at the livestock farm is just as remarkable. I suggest you see it for yourself."

Tarnes nodded and, led by Dwalin, made his way to the other side of the farmstead. The story there was much the same. Animals that had been lethargic from the long journey were now brimming with spirit. The two dairy cows had already produced fresh milk that very morning.

"The Golden Tree is a marvel," said the dwarf in charge of the cows, chuckling as he carried a wooden bucket filled with fresh, steaming milk. Tiny specks of gold shimmered on its surface. "I just mixed some of this golden grass I found into their feed yesterday, and this is the result."

A black-bearded dwarf in charge of the sheep herd added, "It's the same with my flock. At first, they balked at the golden grass, but after one bite, they began picking it out specifically. This morning, I found the wool at their roots has begun to turn a brilliant gold. This quality will fetch a fine price, believe me!"

Tarnes smiled and turned to the dwarf in charge of the chickens, who stroked his thick brown beard with a hint of embarrassment. "Uh, my chickens haven't changed much. No golden milk, no golden feathers. They're more energetic, certainly, but that's all."

The cow-herder laughed. "Perhaps you're still feeding them the same old feed from the mountains? Bean cakes and crushed peanuts?"

"Of course! They're laying hens, not grazers," the chicken-keeper retorted defensively. "If I wasn't afraid you'd call it wasteful, I'd chop up minced meat for them. Then you'd see the quality of their eggs!"

Tarnes chatted with them for a few more minutes before excusing himself, content in the knowledge that his food supply was secure.

A week flew by. The days were peaceful, free from Orc attacks. The first good news came from the fields. The crops planted just a week ago were fully mature.

In the fields, tomatoes glowed like red gemstones, wheat hung heavy and golden, and corn cobs were plump and inviting. Tarnes stood on a path, surrounded by the joyful laughter of the dwarves as they held up the heavy fruits of their labor, their faces alight with pure satisfaction. They told him the soil remained just as fertile, ready for the next planting.

Kili bit into a bright red tomato, the sweet juice bursting in his mouth. "Delicious!" he declared.

Fili held up a tomato larger than his palm. "Teacher Tarnes, may I take some of these back for Uncle Thorin?"

"Of course, Fili. I have no reason to refuse," Tarnes replied warmly.

"Praise the Golden Tree!" the dwarves sang, their voices rising in a heartfelt chorus. The worry over his dwindling food stores finally settled in Tarnes's heart, eased by their joyous celebration.

Two days later, good news came from the chicken coop.

The chicken-keeper, who had been so downcast, came running from the farm, his face alight. Tarnes found him in the small farmhouse kitchen, a basin filled with eggs whose shells shimmered with a faint golden light. The dwarf was already at the stove, frying one up.

"Mr. Tarnes! The Golden Tree is truly amazing!" he exclaimed, expertly flipping an egg onto a plate. "Would you like to try one? They taste excellent."

Tarnes shook his head. "I've eaten. Is there anything different about them?"

The dwarf let out a loud burp. "As for the taste, not much different from a regular egg. But after eating one, I feel warm all over, and incredibly full." He burped again. "See? I only ate two! I can't eat another bite. Here, you try. Some things are best experienced for yourself."

Tarnes took the offered plate. He picked up the fried egg with a pair of chopsticks and had just put it in his mouth when a hurried voice called from outside.

"Your Majesty! Is His Majesty, Tarnes, here?"

Tarnes stepped out of the kitchen to see Kenneth Haight standing by the chicken coop, panting. He quickly swallowed the egg. "I'm here. What is it, Kenneth?"

Kenneth caught his breath. "Your Majesty, a well-equipped cavalry unit has appeared outside Fort Haight."

"Cavalry?" Tarnes's expression hardened. "Orcs again?"

Kenneth shook his head repeatedly. "No, not Orcs. They are Men—handsome, elegant, but with long, pointed ears. Their leader introduced himself as Elrond, Lord of Rivendell. He said he came at Gandalf's suggestion and wishes to meet the Lord of the Golden Tree."

Elves.

Tarnes nodded, his mind racing. "I will go with you now."

(End of Chapter)

***

[Check Out My Patreon For More Chapters On All

Of My Fanfics!!] [www. [email protected]/meowthtl]

[+300 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter]

[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[Thank You For Your Support!]