Note: Elvish translation

Melda yende- beloved daughter

Namarie- farewell

Tenna' ento lye omenta- until next we meet.

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Chapter 6

The next day passed quickly for Thariel. She spent the morning and early afternoon with Jilien and Tolon. She explained what was going on and where she was going. She baked cookies with Jilien. She played games with Tolon. Before she left she hugged each of them. None of them said a final goodbye, but each was thinking it. The rest of the day she spent with Codian and his family. They took Muria and went swimming in the river. With Aragorn and Legolas they held a mock fight. Aragorn complimented Codian on his sword play and gave him pointers. Legolas told Thariel that she did very well with her bow, considering that she had had no formal training. The five of them, Thariel, Codian, Muria, Legolas and Aragorn played tag while Beriel and Coniel sat under a tree and watched them. At one point Beriel had left but Thariel did not notice. Later on they all shared dinner by the river. Throughout it all Thariel laughed and smiled, but on several occasions Legolas noticed that the smile never reached her eyes.

Towards sunset Beriel drew Thariel off to one side.

"Come with me Thariel. I have a surprise for you."

"But what of everyone else?"

"Don't worry. Coniel will tell them what is going on." Together they walked to the entrance of the village. There Thariel stopped.

"Father, we're not supposed to leave the village."

"And when has that ever stopped you," he asked her drily. She laughed.

"True, however I do not usually leave by the front road where all can see my departure. What of Jocen and the Elders?"

"I have permission for tonight only. Do not fear. Now come on." He turned and walked down the road. Thariel followed after him. He led her up the east side of the valley. He stopped at the top and sat down upon the grass. He motioned Thariel to sit beside him.

"What are we doing here?"

"We are going to watch the sunset," he told her. She smiled delightedly at him. She climbed into his lap and laid her head on his shoulder. Silently they watched the setting sun paint the valley and the city below them. They sat there, father and daughter, and though neither spoke they managed to convey all they were feeling to each other. Dark had fallen before Beriel could bring himself to get up. He gently set his daughter on her feet.

"Come Thariel. It is time." She looked away from him, but not before he saw the glitter of tears in her eyes. He held out his hand to her. She grasped it and together, hand in hand, they descended to the village below.

They found Aragorn and Legolas waiting for them at their house. Thariel went to her bedroom and quickly packed a few items while Beriel went to tell the Elders they were back in town. She took her pack and went into the living room to wait. She sat in a chair and toyed with her necklace.

"That is an unusual necklace Thariel. Wherever did you get it," Aragorn asked her.

"Father made it for me." She removed it and handed it to him. He and Legolas looked at it. It was a plain silver oval. On the front was inscribed Thariel's name. On the back were the words melda yende. They saw the clasp and opened it. In it was a lock of blond hair. "It's my mother's. Father gave it to me after her funeral. He told me that she would never be far from me because I'd always have a piece of her close to my heart."

"Are you going to take a piece of your father's hair with you tonight," Legolas asked her. She shook her head.

"No, because I will see him again. This is not goodbye, it is just farewell for now." Beriel came in.

"Are you ready Thariel?"

"Yes father." The three of them stood. They put on their cloaks. Legolas and Aragorn shouldered their packs.

"Luck is with you. Tonight is a new moon, so you will have an extra advantage." He gathered his daughter into his arms.

"Always remember that I love you Thariel. Be strong. Be brave."

"I will make you proud of me Father, I promise." He chuckled.

"I am already proud of you my daughter. You have met every challenge fate has thrown at you. You have been the joy of my life." He set her down, and she picked up her pack. He kissed her on the forehead. She looked at him solemnly.

"I love you father."

"I love you too. Now smile. Let that be what I carry with me." She smiled at him. Aragorn opened the door and stepped out, followed by Legolas.

"I'm trusting the two of you to keep my daughter safe."

"We swear it," they answered in unison. He nodded.

"Namarie. Tenna' ento lye omenta" With one final hug the three of them departed. He closed the door so quickly that he did not notice the man emerge from the shadows and follow them.