Well, here we are, the last chapter. But don't worry, I've got a sequel to this that I'll post if people want me to. Peace out!

Epilogue: Carry On Wayward Son

I woke up at four o'clock the following morning. This could have been caused by the fact that Amlaith had apparently just dumped some icy cold water on me.

"What the hell, man?" I hissed.

"Get up. We're leaving."

"At four in the morning? And was the water really necessary?"

"You wouldn't wake up. Actually, I'm surprised I didn't wake up your brother over there. You must come from a line of very deep sleepers."

"Among other things." I climbed out of bed, yawned, and stretched. "What stuff should I grab?"

"Only the necessities. Don't worry if you forget something, we can probably replace it. Now hurry!"

"Why are we leaving this early, anyway?"

"Less fuss. Plus, we'll make better time."

"How long will it take to get to Alqualonde?"

"Two days at most. We'll probably need to camp out tonight. Come on, you can ask all the questions you want to once we're onthe road. Get packing!"

I grabbed some clothes and stuff, shoved them into a bag, and put on my boots. "Okay. Ready."

"Excellent. Let's get out of here."

"Oh, wait a second," I said. "I should probably leave a note, so no one freaks out..." Quickly, I pulled out a pen and some paper and wrote,

Left when you were asleep. No worries. Peace out.
-Maglor

"Now we can go," I said.

"Why did you bring two horses up here?" I asked as I saddled up Amlaith's extra horse (I figured that Dad didn't need me stealing the horse I'd ridden on the way up on top of everything else).

"This one's my pack animal," Amlaith replied. "She brought my luggage."

"Don't you need her to carry your luggage back, then?"

"Nah, I can just leave whatever stuff I don't need here. I can always have it sent to me if I need it."

"Good point."

"Man, kid, you are going to love Alqualonde," said Amlaith. "It's pretty much paradise for guys like us. Music, culture..." He licked his lips. "Pretty girls..."

"Well, that last bit won't do me much good," I said. "Girls tend to ignore unattractive guys."

Amlaith frowned. "Who's been telling you you're ugly?"

"No one needs to. It's obvious," I said. "I mean, I'm not nearly as good-looking as Maedhros."

"Kid," said Amlaith, "you have gotta start looking at yourself for yourself instead of comparing yourself to everyone else." He jumped up onto his horse. "Let's ride."

I got up onto my horse too, wondering exactly what he'd meant by looking at myself as myself. It sounded like one of those random wise things Mom was always saying.

But whatever. My smith's apprenticeship was over, I was going to Alqualonde, and I'd never have to do math again. I was so outta there.

End (for now)