Disclaimer: Middle-Earth locations and recognizable characters do not belong to me. Elwen does.
Elwen stood at the edge of the highest and furthest guard talan of Lorien, looking out into the vast plains that lay beyond the misty ring of mountains that her keep elven eyes could detect at the far reach of the horizon..
A messenger was running across the plain, towards the edge of the golden woods.
Elwen called out to him as he drew near. The messenger looked up and spotted
the familiar sight of the Lady of Eryn Lasgalen, perched high into the trees,
looking out towards the north. He had often heard other messengers and guards
comment on her presence there.
Rumour had it that she was waiting for the return of her lover, who had left
to war with humans in the far north. The young messenger thought that perhaps
she was just waiting for a friend dear to her heart. Others said that she was
simply mad, not having recovered from the darkness that had made her homeland
inhospitable, save for the palace of her father.
"What news of the North?" she said, her voice betraying her hope
and fear of the news.
"Nothing, my Lady," The messenger replied. "There has been
no news from the northern regions."
"You may continue your errand." She finally said.
The messenger heard the pain in her voice and knew that indeed, she was waiting
for someone to return. He continued into the forest wondering what being would
return to claim the lady from her tree.
She slumped against the bark, feeling the harsh texture bruise the skin on her back. It had been seven seasons since the last news had arrived from the North, carried by a wounded Ranger that had sought solace in the golden woods. Elwen looked one last time at the ridge of mountains and climbed down.
Her decision was made. Tonight, she would leave for Eryn Lasgalen.