The sky was still grey in the morning when Legolas and Gimli saddled their horse to depart. None were present except Elrohir and Elladan, who were sad to see their friends departing so soon.

" It is a bitter day, when friends who have so recently been rediscovered must be forgotten again." Elrohir said with a soft smile as Legolas finished packing the horse.

" Ai, but forgotten only in body, never in mind." Legolas said. He tapped his temple and winked.

The elf and dwarf hugged their hosts warmly; as was custom between close friends, and mounted their horse, riding from the gates of Rivendell slowly so they might enjoy a last look at the picturesque valley. But Gimli could tell something troubled Legolas, though he did not have the cause to say anything until they were clear into the forest surrounding Rivendell, and travelling at a good pace down the trail.

" What troubles you, Legolas? How could such a fair place inspire such a bitter face?" Gimli said.

Legolas sighed heavily. " I feel a fool, Gimli. And miss the farewell of Elessiel on our departure. Last night held many revelations in your absence. And you did not say farewell to her, you must mourn this?" Legolas said, turning the topic artfully away from himself.

Gimli shook his head. " I did look once more upon the fair face of that woman before departing, in the wee hours of this morning. As for yourself, her departure could not be helped. I would think this a victory for you, Guardian of the house of Aragorn that she heeded your advice to leave."

Legolas was shocked into to momentary silence. " Leave? Her departure? What tongues do you speak in Dwarf?"

Gimli smiled, suddenly realising the hidden meaning to the words Elessiel had shared with on their farewell, it is folly to love the elves, she had said, and Gimli understood now. Elessiel knew first hand.

" No tongues my friend, but knowledge you do not know, so listen carefully. The Lady Elessiel Tindomerel did depart this morning, but a league in time before our own leave was taken. And so a goodbye was shared between the old dwarf and the young, beautiful human maiden. What think you of that, friend elf?" Gimli said with haughty pride.

Legolas remained mute until the sun was high in the sky; brewing deep within his heart the questions left unanswered by Elessiel.

*

Elessiel smiled widely as she came atop the last hill of the road she had been travelling on for well near three weeks. Before her a wide expanse of lush green land carpeted the earth to the horizon, and the sky above was as a transparent blue crystal, save the occasional cloud which offered no rain, nor dampening to her high spirits. She gratefully acknowledged her journey was coming to an end as she raced down the hill, noting with slight regret the absence of a saddle on her horse.

But this had been part of the journey. Leaving Rivendell in the quiet of night, binding all that saw her to secrecy. She had simply climbed onto Niphredil, bear back, and with bare feet, she had ridden from the gates of Rivendell in silence, letting the road itself decide the best route. It had been an experience to bring her from the dream like state of Rivendell, back to reality.

Reality, she thought with relish as she noted the first glimmer of a tower on the horizon. This sparkle in the south was the first real sign of her quarry, a city from which she had too long been absent, friends which she had left behind so long ago.

She quickened the pace of her horse in anticipation of her arrival.