Voronwë woke me up in the early morning and was quite distraught. "Lady Kiera we must move now, there is a pack of orcs in the forest headed our way. We must make for the fords of Brithiach and hope that Lord Ulmo will protect us."

I jumped out of my sleeping bag and was wide awake. Tuor was already up and ready to go. He was spreading the ground with his feet again to cover our tracks. Voronwë helped me pack up my blanket and bag as he dusted the ground where I slept as well.

We were off quickly and in a hurry. We dared not run but kept low as we walked out of the forest and into the open plains. The moon was still in the sky and Tuor led us on while Voronwë followed behind watching the tree line.

We didn't speak at all while we jogged and ran. Voronwë quietly whispered that the orcs were still nearby, but they were moving along the edge of the forest. While we were going north, the orcs could easily follow after us if they saw us. I could feel my heart racing as we jogged and prayed to Ulmo that we would make it safely.

An hour or so passed before I saw any change to the scenery. The forest became smaller and smaller in the distance and a rocky ledge was climbing out in front of us. As we approached I saw more rocky boulders scattered about and a large winding river in the distance.

As we approached the river's edge, sharp rocks were littered on the edges. We slowed down to a walk so we wouldn't slip on the rocky surface. Voronwë led us north now and we followed along with the river. The moon had started to sink beneath the horizon and dawn was fast approaching. I was getting a little tired from jogging for hours on end but I didn't want us to stop.

The sun finally rose above the horizon and I could see that the river was getting smaller and smaller as we jogged. The wide rushing waters finally gave way to a smaller stream. Voronwë called for a break and I flopped on the grass just as the sun was rising the horizon.

"We are close to the fords. Once we cross, if we hurry and jog we should be able to reach the edge of the mountain by nightfall. We can rest the night and hopefully, tomorrow we can find the entrance to Gondolin. I don't want us to run but we are close now and with the orc pack behind us, I don't want to stay here if they turn this way."

"Let us keep moving if we are as close as you say. I would rather run and jog for the day if that means tomorrow we might have a chance at a safe place and warm bed. I, too, would like to put some distance between us and the orc pack. Many travelers and enemies use the ford crossing. Let us leave this area quickly," states Tuor.

They both look at me and I'm honored they consider my opinion. I say "Yeah, I can jog and run if it means we can get there faster. If I need a break I will let you know. My feet are starting to swell from all the running and jogging, but I will be alright," I say.

Tuor offers his hand and pulls me up. We walk at a quick pace and within less than an hour we are at the fords. The area is covered with smooth small rocks and the water is barely flowing over the stones. At least I don't have to get my clothes and shoes wet again.

Voronwë helps Tuor and I step over the rocks and makes sure we don't slip and fall. We reach the other side quickly and begin our trek north. We follow along this side of the river as the sun starts to rise overhead.

Before midday, we stop for a break and fill our water packets and eat some bread and meat. All the running and jogging makes me feel tired faster but the meat helps. We eat quickly again and once we start walking we turn away from the river and towards the mountain ranges.

They are quite a ways away in the distance and they seem to stretch on forever. We jog for a few hours at an average pace. Voronwë seems to be just as tired today which makes sense as he didn't get any sleep. Tuor has a determined look on his face now that he knows we are getting so close to the mountain.

I have to stop for a few breaks during the afternoon, but I get up quickly. I haven't run this much in a long time. I'm used to hikes and lifting weights, not a full day's worth of cardio. The thought of seeing the city and finally having a place to rest and be safe helps me push through the pain.

Towards the evening the plains start to turn into hills and our pace goes back to a slow walk. Large hills and uphill slopes let us know we are approaching the foot of the mountains. Voronwë says there is a small stream nearby that we can bathe and make a camp. It takes us a while to find it as the area is rocky now, and we have to climb up and over large rocks as we pass between two cliffs.

However, once we arrive the area is secluded. A small stream flows between two large cliff walls and at the back, a small waterfall of water flows down. The ground is covered with rocks but there is a flat surface near the edge of the stream. Voronwë checks the surrounding area and back behind the waterfall for any hidden creatures. There is only one way in and out and the high cliff walls protect us from the wind.

We are hidden but also trapped if any orcs or goblins come by. Voronwë says "I think we will be alright here for one night. This area is not well known and it is hidden by a small amount of magic. I found it on my travels when I left Gondolin and there are no signs of any orcs or goblins. We should bathe here and rest. I will need a few hours of sleep, then I can take watch the rest of the night."

I offer to keep watch but Tuor shuts me down and bids me to bathe first. There is a small pool behind the waterfall for some privacy and I take my pack there. I bring out my towel and the clothes from the day before. These smell the best so I will wear them tonight and tomorrow. I strip off and sink into the pool. The water is warmer than the others had been and I spend a little extra time washing. I don't want to smell or look bad in front of the elves and the king.

I'm running low on soap and hair products, but I should be fine for now. I get out and get dressed in my leggings and a sweater again. I brush out my hair but leave it to dry. The air is warmer here as we are out of the wind, so it will dry quickly.

I walk back to the camp and Tuor heads to bathe. Voronwë had laid out one of my blankets and was sitting on it, going through his pack. I set my stuff up next to him and rolled out my sleeping bag.

I sat on top of it and he handed me my dinner of bread and meat. There is a question that has been on my mind and now that Tuor is gone I can ask him. "Do you have any friends or other family waiting for you in Gondolin? I kissed you on the cheek the other day and I didn't even ask if you have a wife or lover waiting for you at home. It had been bothering me all day, but we were too busy for me to ask. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable, that wasn't my intention."

He laughed a tinkling laugh and said "No lover or wife, and I didn't mind the kiss. It was quite nice. I am young for my kind and haven't met anyone to marry yet, but there is still time. I have many friends in the city and my father's brother is still living. He is part of the house of the heavenly arch as a jeweler. He and my father were both great craftsmen and often people came to them to make jewelry and adorn their armor. I'm sure he will be very happy to see me and I will introduce you to him. I know you spoke of no husband but did you have a lover in your world or were you courting anyone?"

"I would be happy to meet him, I hope I get to see the city. No, I had no lover and I'm not courting anyone. My last relationship ended rocky and I needed time to myself. I'm almost done with school and I didn't want to start something with someone if I moved away to take a job."

He looks at me with a frown and asks "what do you mean by a rocky relationship? Were you courting and it ended or were you engaged to be married? We elves marry for life and if we court someone after a year we can walk away if we are not compatible. Are humans similar to that?" he asked curiously.

"Kind of, I guess. My world is a little different. I think here, relationships mean more. I was dating someone which I guess is like courting here. He cheated on me, or he wasn't faithful to me, so I left him. We were never married. My world is probably a little different than here," I replied.

"That man lacks all honor. I had heard of some human men being unfaithful but I'm sad to hear that it extends to other worlds as well. I am glad you left him as you deserve better. We elves are faithful for life and beyond, that is why we only court our true hearts' desires. We court for a year minimum but sometimes longer. If the connection isn't strong enough, the courtship ends and each goes their separate ways. We break off the courtship because to be bonded, means to be together until the unmaking of this world."

Before I can reply, Tuor responds first. He had come back to camp while Voronwë was talking. I didn't see him coming as my back was to the waterfall.

"I too am saddened to hear about how that man treated you. I am glad you left him, as you do deserve better. I am sad to say that I have heard of some men here that have also strayed. I hope you find someone that will treat you well."

Voronwë got up and left to bathe. He took his pack with him as Tuor sits next to me and eats his dinner. I looked over to Tuor and asked "so, are there any lovers or a wife for you?"

He barked a laugh and guffed "no, I did not have the chance to meet many women in my years as a slave and as an outlaw by myself."

I laugh with him and tell him "maybe we will meet people in Gondolin, you never know. I am looking forward to seeing the city and meeting all of the elves. I hope Tugon accepts us."

Tuor continues to eat and says "I too wish for that, but tell me what about our guide. You too seemed cozy the other morning. Is there something between you two? Is that why I came back to questions about lovers and wives?" he smirked at me and winked.

I blush and say "I'm not sure. For the moment, I just want us all to get to Gondolin in one piece. Perhaps, once we get there we can spend some more time together. For the moment I am content with just being friends. The conversation started because I kissed him on the cheek, but I realized as we walked today that I didn't know anything about elves. I didn't want to make him uncomfortable so I apologized."

Tuor accepted my answer with a nod. "I know a little about elves as they raised me, but I believe our friend Voronwë likes you and cherishes your friendship. I certainly am glad to have met you both. Perhaps there can be more between you too, only time will tell."

I smile at him, "I am glad to have met you both. I hope that we can all be friends for years to come. I haven't thought about the future much or a relationship, but maybe when we get to Gondolin, I can figure it out. I hope we all find someone to love and marry. Only time will tell."

Voronwë returned shortly after and he laid down to rest. I sat up with Tuor for a little while longer. We whispered quietly about the difference between humans of my world and this one. Tuor said he didn't have a lot of good experiences with his fellow men. A lot have turned towards serving the enemy, and he was fostered by the elves. He told me some stories about his youth with the elves and his years as an outlaw.

I told him a few stories about my family and childhood. We continued talking for a while until I started to get drowsy. I crawled into my sleeping bag and rested my head against my pack. I tossed and turned for a while as the ground was hard rock, but eventually, I fell asleep.