Chapter II: The Journey

Elerrina lived with Silaerwen and Maldathar for many years. She rarely saw her father, and when she did, they were like strangers. She had come to love Silaerwen and Maldathar as though they were her parents, and they loved her like she was their own daughter. Yet a part of her still wished that she could be with her father, even though they hardly knew each other.

When Elerrina came of age, Silaerwen and Maldathar desired for her to learn a trade. Therefore, she had trained in the ways of a scribe and also in the art of painting. She enjoyed both, yet she was lonely, for she had no friends to spend time with. She was different than the other ellyth her age. While they were out seeking husbands and learning the ways of a wife, Elerrina was in the library pouring over her books and scrolls. The other ellyth flaunted their beauty, yet Elerrina did not. Her hands and clothes were always covered in ink and paint, and she did nothing to enhance her appearance. Marriage was not something she sought; rather, she was content to study and paint.

One of the happiest days of her life was when she obtained a position as a scribe to Lord Faervell, one of King Thranduil's advisors. She worked diligently for him, and was rewarded for her efforts, for he taught her many things about helping to manage a kingdom. This was knowledge that most scribes never received, and Elerrina was grateful that she had been so fortunate.

However, Elerrina's desire to see her father grew, for he had not been to visit her in several years. She knew that she had to go to him, to find out why he had not come to see her. She also wanted to see where her mother had lived. Silaerwen had told her many stories of Pelethel, yet Elerrina wanted to know more. Perhaps going to Rivendell would help her feel closer to her mother.

Lord Faervell was most unhappy to lose her as a scribe, and he promised her that she could continue to work for him whenever she returned. Maldathar and Silaerwen were heartbroken when she told them she was traveling to Rivendell. They tried to discourage her from leaving, telling her that she would not find what she sought, but Elerrina could not be swayed. She was going to travel with the next party that left Mirkwood for the Grey Havens. And that party was leaving very soon.


The day had finally arrived for Elerrina to leave for Rivendell. She was nervous and excited about the journey, yet terribly sad about leaving Maldathar and Silaerwen. They were her family, the only real family that she had ever known, and it broke her heart to leave them. Yet she knew that she must.

Silaerwen walked forward and embraced her tightly, silent tears coursing down her cheeks. "I love you, Elerrina. I wish you would stay."

"I know you do, Silaerwen, but I cannot. This is something that I must do," Elerrina whispered.

Silaerwen looked into her eyes and smiled. "I hope you find what you seek, Elerrina. I truly do."

Elerrina nodded and Silaerwen kissed her cheek. Silaerwen released her and Maldathar approached. He drew Elerrina into his arms and held her tightly.

"You are my daughter, Elerrina. Perhaps not by birth, but in my heart you are and always will be my daughter. I love you, little one."

Elerrina leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "I love you too, Maldathar. You and Silaerwen will always be my parents."

She drew back, and Maldathar helped her mount her horse, Rovain. He and Silaerwen reached up and took Elerrina's hand.

"Be safe, Elerrina," Maldathar said.

"And remember that we love you," Silaerwen whispered through her tears.

"I will. I love you both dearly. Farewell."

Elerrina turned her horse and went to join her traveling companions. Her heart was heavy, but someday, she hoped to return to Mirkwood and to her beloved family.


The journey was long and difficult for Elerrina, for she was unaccustomed to traveling such long distances. Her only previous traveling experience had been when her father had brought her to Mirkwood, and that journey was not a pleasant memory for her. She traveled with the other Elves, yet she did not speak to them, and they made no attempts to speak to her. They seemed too preoccupied with their own thoughts to attempt to ease the thoughts of one nervous elleth.

She spent her nights reading and studying, while the other Elves sang and fellowshipped with one another. This did not upset her though, for she had never truly had the heart or the love for singing, and she was accustomed to being alone. Every day the company drew nearer to Rivendell, and Elerrina knew that she would soon be traveling alone, for the remaining Elves were continuing on to the Grey Havens. Yet day by day, she became more at ease with traveling through the woods and land. She even began to enjoy the journey, and she reveled in the beauty of nature. The lakes and streams were exquisite, and the woods were wondrous, full of animals and birds.

Several weeks passed, and it soon became time for her to continue on her journey alone. Many of the Elves bid her a warm farewell which surprised Elerrina, for most had not spoken to her until this moment. She gave them an awkward smile and returned their farewell, wishing them a safe journey to the Grey Havens and to Valinor. She and Rovain left the company and traveled on alone. Elerrina sighed. They would reach Rivendell in a few days.