Star of Eärendil,
Look down, hear our cry.
Ever shining perfect light, emblazon the sky.
Heed us as to thee we sing,
Enlighten us in the hope you bring.
Guide our way and aid us from on high.
- 'Star Of Earendil', Lord of the Rings cast
14 November 3018
"Arwen Arnuríel?" Lady Arnuríel?
I glanced up. It was Elrond. I frowned slightly and closed my book as he crossed before me.
"Formality?" I asked with a light smile. It had been nearly a month or so since the council, and still another month before the new Fellowship were to depart.
"I have a favour to ask," Elrond told me, and I cocked my head slightly.
"Anything," I told him firmly.
Elrond sighed. "When do you plan to return to Lothlorien?"
I hook my head, biting my lip. "I do not know. I have no made plans, nor was given further instruction. Why? Do you wish me to go?"
"Not at all," Elrond disagreed. "But the Fellowship will pass close to Lorien, if not through it and I would ask the Royalmaiden to accompany them."
I frowned. "Accompany?"
"Not as part of the Fellowship, not to go further than Lorien. Your parents would never forgive me!"
I smiled at the truth of his words.
"But if you were to travel their way anyway, I would feel more comfortable knowing they had just a little more protection, at least for a part. And only three of the nine have seen Lorien, two not for a long while. They may benefit fom your guidance."
I nodded. Elrond's plan made perfect sense. "Amin weera." I agree. "Does Aragorn know? Or Gandalf?"
"No, not yet."
I nodded again, rising, and made for the door. "I will tell them now."
"Very well."
As I left, Elrond called after me. "Besides, you will have longer with Legolas!"
I grinned with turning back.
25 December 3018
I flitted down the steps to the entrancre arch. The haflings were there already, the pony Bill, Gimli, gathering elves. Legolas was there. It was more than a month after Elrond had asked me to accompany the Fellowship, and I had had plenty of time to prepare. Alrohar had already gone, travelling alone to Lorien. I was not worried about him, he knew the way and he was mine only by his choice. Like all elvish mounts, he was wild.
Aragorn and Gandalf had been unphased, if not welcoming of Elrond's plan. Boromir and Gimli had been less happy with the arrangements, while the hobbits had been slightly confused and accepting. Legolas had been the hardest to convince, but even then it had not taken long. He knew I was as capable as any, and I think he was pleased, if anything!
I adjusted my bow at my back and passed Arwen. She nodded at me as I went.
"Namaarie, Arwen," I whispered. Farewell, Arwen.
"Namaarie. Quel martth," she replied. Farewell. Good luck.
I nodded, and stood by Elrond. "Lle desiel?" he asked. Are you ready?
l nodded and smiled grimly. Elrond bowed his head and turned to the assembled fellowship. Frodo was looking nervous and I gave him an encouraging smile.
"The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom," Elrond announced. "On you who travel with him no oath nor bond is laid, to go further than you will. Arnuríel will go with you as far as Lothlorien. Ríel, tira ten' rashwe. Belain na lle." Ríel, be careful. The Valar be with you.
I nodded and stepped forward to stand by Aragorn.
"Farewell," Elrond bade us. "Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all free folk go with you."
Elrond spread his arms, and I pressed my hand to my heart and extended it, head bowed. Legolas and Aragorn followed suit, the elvish farewell.
"The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer," Gandalf announced. Frodo turned slowly and glanced around at us all. He swallowed, before uncertainly walking forward, out and under the arch.
I gave Elrond a last nod of farewell, before turning to follow Legolas. Legolas gave me an encouraging smile.
"Lle desiel?" he asked, repeating Elrond's words. Are you ready?
I nodded back truthfully, as I suddenly heard the softest whisper ahead.
"Mordor, Gandalf, is it left or right?"
I smiled to myself as Gandalf replied, "Left." They were going to need help. I wasn't it, but I was a start.
Only a short one this time, but the next one is a pretty superlong one. Should be up in a few hours! Apologies to all those who hoped there would not be a 10th walker. Not that Riel is. (I hate it when people put 10th walkers!). Riel's more of a stalker.
Neia x