Third Age 2968, Somewhere Near the Boarders of Rohan
The world was a barren, cold and heartless place, or so it felt to the lone traveller trudging across the weather beaten hills towards the lands of Rohan.
Compared to some of the roads he had wandered, this one should not feel as lonely and desolate as it did. All the same, a great weight hung upon his shoulders, chilling him and filling his mind with doubts.
The man, known to some as 'Estel', drew his cloak around him tighter as he glanced at the unforgiving skies.
It was only reconnaissance, he told himself. This was not the true test.
He was not sure that was the best encouragement to give himself, for the true test would be much more daunting. He would dedicate many years to living among his kin, working and fighting alongside the race of Men.
These were not his Rangers. They did not know who he was, nor the urgency of his mission among them. They would not follow him easily and in truth, Estel worried that he would not gain their trust, let alone the respect he would need to truly serve among the men of Rohan and Gondor.
Another strong blast of wind prompted Estel to start searching for a place to make camp. The day was waning and he would do well to rest before tackling the task set out before him.
A light, icely drizzle did little to ease his turbulent thoughts as he found selter amid some overhanging rocks and got a very small fire going. He snorted to himself and he crouched his towering form over the flame, sheltering them from the harsh winds so they would not be snuffed out.
What a hypocrite he was, letting his gloomy thoughts get the better of him. Had he not drilled into his dear young friend, Emily, that keeping up good morale was key to walking in the wilds of the world?
With the new year only just dawning, Estel had to admit his timing for travel was not ideal and not for the last time wondered if he should have remained in the Woodland Realm longer. King Thranduil had been kind in his offer, giving him leave to stay as long as he wished. The temptation had been terrible and were it not for his brothers offering to travel a good deal of the way to Rohan with him, he might have remained.
A pain stabbed at his heart. He dearly wished for their company now and to have their fair voices chase away the night.
They had departed from him two days ago, heading back to Imladris rather than entering the lands of Men with him. Too much suspicion and attention would be drawn with their presence and they had duties to attend to elsewhere. Practical and reasonable as it was, Estel did not enjoy that he was on his own.
Dragging out his rations and putting his back to the fire now that it was blazing safely, Estel let his eyes adjust to the growing dark around him, searching for trouble.
The only troubles he found were in his own mind, nagging at him and wrestling every ounce of positivity he had left.
He feared failure. He feared what lay ahead. His heart longed for home and uncertainty in his own abilities reigned mercilessly. The weight was nearly crushing him as he struggled to accept his deepest, dark musings about the days to come.
"Let them out into the open, Glorfindel always says." He whispered to the wind. "Name them, and they have less power over you."
There was no turning back now, no matter his worry and fear or how tired his heart was already. He had a path to walk and lonely as it was his to travel.
"I will do this. Best foot forward. Face the day." Estel murmured to himself as he drew a long calming breath, drawing to mind all he was fighting for. "The darkness is coming, but there is still yet hope."