***Yeah I own LOTR.. NOT!!! i wish i did :P***

Chapter 6
The Evening Before

The dinning quarters were filled with laughter as Fimriel shared her tale of Daemith's taming. Faroniel sat to the elf's right, her mother, Lothiel, to the left and her father, Iardraug, was sitting opposite. Fimriel did not dine often with her friend's family even though she resided in their home. She felt a bit of a nuisance and didn't like to depend too much on others making her food. Loosing what skills she had gained on her own was not something to her liking.

Faroniel should realize how lucky she is to have people to care about her, thought Fimriel. In the morning they would be departing on their long journey and all the hospitality would be gone. Only the toil of traveling Middle Earth would remain.

Her thinking was interrupted by Iardraug who had raised from the table and left the room. "Where is he going?" Fimriel inquired.

Faroniel smiled as did Lothiel without answering the question. Supposedly she was supposed to wait. It was not very long before he returned and in his hands he held a long object draped a simple cloth.

Iardraug spoke with his booming voice, "This is for you. May it come in good use if you need to wield it." Then he handed the wrapped parcel to Fimriel.

She slid the fabric off and in her hands was a sword. It's blade was as long as her arm and curved. The hilt was finished in a matte silver and had a simple engraving on it. She read it aloud, "Strength and Honor, Grace and Justice." She was astonished for the plan was her to take the blade she had practiced with in her training. "I cannot take so fine a weapon," she commented, but could not bring herself to set it down.

The trio was grinning at her and she did not understand the amused look on their faces. Lothiel explained, "Iardraug has many finer swords in his forge my dear. Do not worry it is not above your station."

This was hard for Fimriel to swallow for she pondered what finer a weapon was there than the one she held in her hand? Though she graciously accepted the sword with a nod.

The group finished their meal and the table was cleared. Fimriel thanked Lothiel for a wonderful dinner and Iardraug for his gift then retired to her room. She walked slowly up the steps gazing at the shining lights in the sky through the canopy of trees. When she reached the end of the stairs and her room she found the green dress she had worn the first day of her stay in Rivendell laying on the bed.

Puzzled she trod lightly over to it and took a seat running her hands down the dark green leaves. Sighing she thought of her visit and all of the Elves she had encountered. Loathe to leave the sanctuary, but knowing she had made her decision she took the dress, stood up and was going to put it away when she heard Faroniel speak from the doorway.

"Bring it with you. It is also a gift." On her face was a slight smile, but Fimriel sensed there was more on her mind. After a few moments of silence she revealed what it was, "Fimriel, I have never been very far from my home here. I'm not sure how much help I would be. I am a little nervous about it all. There are dark forces stirring in the east and the closer we travel, the more it will increase in power."

"I am feeling as you, my friend. But what are these dark forces you keep speaking of?" Fimriel continued, "You do not have to accompany me if that is not your desire, but your companionship would be most helpful. They tell me it is a long way to Lothlorien and I will need someone to talk with and share stories."

Faroniel smiled again. She was most often cheerful and very intelligent. "Very well, that, I think, can be done well by me. If that is my purpose I will endeavor to keep you full of tales." Her smile melted slowly into concern as she began again, "In the east the dark lord Sauron is once again growing stronger. It has been apparent for a few months now. No one I've talked to will tell me much of what is to be done about it. They say it is in the best interest of victory to keep things silent. I am hoping this will not hinder our little quest."

"I hope it will not either," Fimriel replied.

"And if he gets in our way we shall smite him with our powerful stares of disgust until he falls on his back and dies from laughter!" Faroniel jested and broke the heavy mood.

"And I'll set my new blade, Halgrath, into his big toe until he is tickled to death!" was Fimriel's version of the dark lord's end.

The night was drawing deeper and after much laughing they said their good nights and wished each other to sleep well. The moment had been light, but both knew the following days would not be so.

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