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The Unknown

I recovered from my fall over the series of a few weeks in Rivendell. Such a curious story my life had become in a matter of a few day's that I did not think to recognize it or myself. During my resting time Elrond, Lindir, and the other elves of Imladris who I befriended would tell me more of the orc and the festering evil among the lands. Hal, too, learned new things as we had not known before.

As my body healed though no small feat helped by the incredible healing powers of the keeper of this refuge I managed to venture more outside and around the city. It seemed Lord Elrond's children and his wife were away at the moment so it became that I was keeping him company most days. He was nothing short of hospitable, kind, and gracious. In fact, this place was no more than few hundred elves but each one was nicer than the last. Going out of their way to make my stay as comfortable as possible - something I hadn't expected for elves in Middle Earth as we were always told they were the wilder and less sophisticated of our kind.

I learned much of Middle Earth by utilizing the libraries and minds of others. I learned of the fates of the elves who did not make the great journey and those who had not seen the light of the tree's. I learned somewhat the geography of the forests and other cities, both elven and of men and dwarves. Speaking of which it was certainly an interesting shock to learn of the other things like dwarves, hobbits, and dragons and of such other things that did not reside in Valinor.

"What exactly are you doing in Middle Earth, friend?" Elrond asked over dinner one evening.

I gulped my wine in an unladylike manner trying to seem inconspicuous while Hal stuffed some greens in his mouth to avoid speaking.

"N-nothing important, really," I averted my gaze over the horizon, a pleasant cool breeze brushing along my cheeks, "Just visiting!"

He narrowed his eyes knowingly and sipped from his own goblet. I did not dare speak another word of our quest besides what was necessary for casual conversation between Elrond and the others and they did not ask further of what I had given them. It was very unelf like in essence to be secretive but I could not chance another mistake as so much danger was afoot.

"I don't know why you feel the need to lie when you know it will not work." Was his answer as he set his glass back on the table.

I laughed nervously at this reply as I did not know the proper comeback. I was working hard to come off as pleasant and not ill-tempered least the elves bear ill will against me and our quest.

"Ah, okay... You win," I glanced back up at him, "We are... looking for the Sindarin elves."

I could see the many questions bubbling behind his irises as he raised his eyebrows in question.

"You see," I shifted in my seat as I smoothed out the sleeves of my dress, "Halafarin... He was here when Doriath fell... Well, we both were technically, though I was just a child..."

He beckoned me to continue as I made an awkward pause.

"My family was obliterated. Hal belonged to us as a servant and so... when my father died - he commanded we flee to Aman before we were both killed."

"... In all the chaos... Hal could not find his wife or elfling and had no choice but to leave them behind, not knowing if they were even alive."

"I see," Elrond nodded slightly in understanding before leaning forward in his chair.

"In all actuality," I smiled sadly after a moment, "We have no idea what we are doing or if we stand any chance of finding those we lost. I don't at least... It's been so long we know nothing of this land anymore. I dragged Hal along on this fool's quest so please don't judge him for my own naivety. "

Elrond acknowledged my statement and said nothing else at this but studied my face. As the harpers played in the background I felt a cold sweat coming on.

"You have gone quite pale," Lord Elrond stated suddenly.

"I feel unwell," I announced, drawing back from the table and standing suddenly, "I will retire now."

As soon as I took a step toward the library I stumbled and my vision went blurry for a moment. I took a nose dive for the floor.

"My lady!," Called Elrond's servant Lindir as he dove to keep my face from smashing into the flooring.

Lord Elrond and Hal too jumped from their seats to assist.

"I'm fine, please...," I insisted, placing my hands on my face to stop the swaying of the room, "There is no need for such fuss over me..."

I managed to stop the fainting and put my weight back on my wobbly knees as Hal helped support me.

"You are not fine," He stated in a serious manner.

They managed to get me to a cushioned bench close by and sat me down.

"Please..."

Despite my protests Elrond still inspected me. Hal looked on beside me with worried eyes. His voice was low when he spoke again, coming in close to my face.

"Your magic is fading, my lady," He said.

"Yes..." I agreed, "But it is not a problem. I will not die. I simply need some time to adjust to this place... and a glass of cool water."

Which Lindir immediately fetched and placed in my hands.

"I cannot let this distract me from what I have come here to do, even if it means my own death," I said with conviction sipping at the water, "Do not worry for me."

After a little more persuading and a few more sips of cool water helped clear my foggy head Elrond, Hal, and Lindir returned to finish their meal.

After the meal and a rest, we adjourned to the library where I had wished to hear some more poetry and song though the feeling about us was not quite right for such things. Though the night was beautiful we each sat in our respective places plucking through this book or that, not one saying anything to the other.

"I can help you," Elrond stated as he read from a manuscript on herbal remedies.

I looked up hurriedly but confused, "Help... with what, dear friend?"

"With finding your kin." He finished. They did not use many candle here but only the natural starlight which I found pleasant and his face was illuminated as he turned it toward the full moon.

I nodded eagerly at his invitation and he immediately set on describing things.

"There are Sindar elves all over Middle Earth at this time, but the ones you are looking for should be in Mirkwood... It is an enchanted Kingdom not far from here - but you must be careful it is dangerous if you do not go the right way or offend the Silvan elves who keep the forest."

"Silvan elves?" I inquired. Never before had I heard of such a kind.

"Forest elves. They are brown-haired and not of Sindarin decent. They are a primal, basic people - not as adept with the more intelligent things of life. They are ruled by the Sindarin king named Thranduil... He has a great many elf in his service so beware crossing his borders unprepared or you may find yourself imprisoned for trespassing."

"Of course," I agreed hesitantly. Hal's eyes were watching us closely and out of the corner of mine I could see a flicker of remembrance as Elrond mentioned the name Thranduil.

"But you should also be warned," Elrond said in a low tone as he sat at his desk, "King Thranduil is not entirely unreasonable but he is a cold-hearted elf. You may be interrogated for the simple act of seeking his assistance. Choose your words carefully if this is what you choose to do or they may be your last."

After a moment of contemplation to his warnings and a silent agreement between myself and my servant, I bowed my head in acceptance and set down the book I was currently reading from.

"I believe it is, my lord," I nodded, "If that is where our people be, we have no choice but to go no matter what the cost."

"Very well."

A few days past that fateful night, Lord Elrond provided us with new riding cloaks and packs full of a canteen each for water and plenty of sacred lembas to tide us during our journey. Interestingly as we prepared to leave Elrond also gifted me a bow and arrows.

"Take this," He handed me the bow, "I am afraid you will encounter many horrible things in Mirkwood. Use this to safeguard your life should the time come upon you."

"Thank you, hîr vuin," I accepted the gift and bowed my head to show my appreciation though I had not used a bow in many a year, "For everything."

"Think nothing of it," He smiled, "Know that, if you do not find that which you seek, you may return here and have a place among my people for all time."

"I appreciate it, my friend," I regarded him warmly, "Should you ever need anything, call upon me and I will grant your wish for all your trouble. If we do not meet again, we shall meet in the Undying Lands and I will be indebted to you for eternity."

After a moment of pause, he set his hand warmly on my shoulder

"I count you among some of the most kind-hearted elf-maiden's I have ever met, dear friend Aretiel... Never change."

"I will try not too... Though I do have one more request, my lord," I gently took his other hand in friendship, "When I leave here, do not speak of my presence to anyone, not even your own kin as there are many who would like to take advantage of an elf such as myself who harbors such magic... Would you agree to this, dear friend?"

He seemed taken a back at first but agreed with certainty in the end. I took my leave of him at this and hoisted myself into the saddle of the horse he had provided.

As Hal and I were ready to be off the other elves bid us goodbye. As they watched us ride the path out of Rivendell toward what would hopefully be our true fate my mind would not allow me to disregard the feeling of impending discourse that had set itself deep in my gut.

"We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls."
― Anaïs Nin

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