They left so suddenly that Bilbo did not even have time to bid me goodbye. One moment they were there and then the next I felt their presence disappear across the border, causing me to gasp softly as visions hammered into my skull of the terrible dangers that they would face as well as the deaths of some in the company. Although they perhaps would not accept my help, I intended to see their quest through alongside them, wanting to guard over the events as they unfurled as they were the pebbles that fell before the avalanche followed. Some of these events were important, vital even to the progression and survival of our world.
I knew so many terrible and haunting things, yet I accepted them freely as I discarded my gown and pulled on more suitable travelling attire, donning dark brown bottoms and leather boots that came just below the knee with a throwing knife in each, gathering back my hair and encasing it in plaits so that it would stay out of my way. I wore warm materials of stormy grey with the careful skill of my kin having cut and sewn the fabric into a light, breathable attire, the cuffs snugly fitting my wrists as I secured the clasp at the base of my throat to then fix the collar. My intention was to travel light and swift, so I pulled on a second layer over that, a thicker coat of darker grey like charcoal before then grasping my bow and my quiver. Just as I was about to reach for a quill and ink to write a note for Elrond, I sensed him approach my door and halt, catching me as I was attempting to leave.
"Lord Elrond…"
"I know that you must leave." He cut across me with a lift of his hand, seemingly accepting the fact that I had made my decision. "Either by guidance from your visions or through your own choice to go after them, neither matter so long as you are certain that this is what you must do." As he spoke he entered my chambers and gave me a stern look, coaxing me to think over my decision again but I once more came to the same conclusion.
"It is my belief that the Valar gave me this gift for a reason and I cannot sit by and leave things to chance when I might be able to save lives. Either countless or few, it does not matter." I explained to him, reaching out to take his hand on mine and press a kiss to his knuckles in loving affection. "And I cannot remain hidden any longer. I must go and see for myself what lies out there in the world as Estel has. We all have our purposes in this world, whether it is to lead simple lives or make changes to the fates of others, we must seek our fortunes with courage and bravery as Bilbo did when he left his home of Bag-End." Elrond reached up and tucked aside my hair to then rest his hand against my cheek, giving me a private smile before he drew me closer and our brows touched as he exhaled softly.
"I prayed that this day may never come. Remember Eleniel, you shall always have a home here no matter how far you travel. You are the second daughter that I never had and never knew I wished for until you appeared. Go, be safe and do not look back until it is time for you to return the way you came. May the grace of the Valar watch over you always." With a flourish of his robes Elrond suddenly drew out a curved sword which he held before me, lifting it up in his hands to present it to me. "This blade was crafted by my own hands for you and you alone. I hope that it shall keep your safe in your journeys to come." He knew that I would not be returning for some time and after that, it is likely that I would be taken away from all places I called home for many years. This was his parting gift to wish me well and I was moved by the gesture and the particular care that had gone into its crafting.
The hilt was made from the strongest of wood which was smooth and polished to bring forth the deeper colours of its texture with single lines carved into the surface in delicate curves to follow the shape of the hilt as my fingers curled around it, finding that it suited my grip perfectly. The pommel was carved into a slight hook, elegant and graceful as the blade followed the sweeping shape to a curved tip, sharpened as I drew it from the bronze inlaid scabbard with elven patterns running down its length, a smaller pattern mirroring the scabbard's indented upon the blade itself in constant lines that flowed like water, the writing of my people running along the shape. "This is Gilestel, the 'Star of Hope', which is what you are to us, Asta Eleniel." He informed me as I read the inscription which was written in Sindarin.
"Wielded by gentle hands, I become a storm upon evil." It was a simple inscription yet poetic in its own sense and to me, it meant more than I could say. Never before have I stepped into battle or even done hurt upon anyone, yet Elrond trusted in my own abilities to know when to strike and when to stay my blade and to find a way to keep on going upon this path that I had now chosen. "My Lord Elrond…" Lifting his hand he kept me from saying anything further, taking the sword to then fix it around my waist for me where it fell snugly at my side as if it had always belonged there and my hand instantly wrapped around the hilt, familiarising myself with its presence as I then turned back to Elrond. "I shall return one day and share with you all that I have seen and learned upon my travels." I promised him before reaching forwards and kissing his cheek. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your teachings, for your hospitality, and for your love. I treasure it all."
Wordlessly Elrond nodded his head and released his hold on me, allowing me to flit past him with the small provisions I had gathered into a pack including water, lembas, the silver comb given to me by her ladyship and a few medicinal supplies that might become useful considering the dangers that would come. There was no need for me to be frightened as I could see far enough that I would at least make it through the mountains and that was all I needed in order to take that first step away from the city without turning my head, picking up the pace to follow after the dwarves and seek to join them in their quest. Every map I had ever studied came to mind as I placed one foot after the other, taking these first steps in a long journey that would take me further than I could ever imagine. I knew my way, and knew I could never become lost, and so I trusted in this path that I had taken and allowed it to carry me forwards to where I knew I needed to be.
The company had unwittingly left few tracks and I spent time following after them, using logic to determine which pass they would take and I almost immediately cursed their folly as I used my foresight to confirm that they were heading in the exact direction that would cause them great difficulty. Since I did not need a map to find my way, it was easy for me to follow after them though they were over half a day ahead of me and even though I was swift, I did not have the same stamina as other elves did. Women were more fragile than the men, though this was a vexing concept for me to accept as my body demanded rest periodically, meaning that I gained very little ground and each time at sunset, I would find myself a safe place to rest for I knew that plenty of dangers lurked outside the borders of Imladris.
One such night, I heard and foresaw the coming of a scouting pack of three orcs and their wargs, two of them going ahead however I stayed perfectly still in the cave I had nestled myself into, keeping two arrows notched ready to release at them though there was no need for me to fear. I watched them carefully, the ugly snout of the beast snuffling around before disappearing after its howling companions. This was not the last time I came across orc parties, meaning that they were indeed after something, or someone. There was only one prize worthy of claiming and that was the head of Thorin Oakenshield and the last line of Durin as was the quest of an orc who had haunted my nightmares for a long while as I watched the fate of Thorin unfurl. Azog the Defiler, there was no other explanation as to who else it could be.
Remaining safely concealed I relaxed, allowing myself a small rest as I watched through the night and guarded against any enemies that might return. The orcs moved onwards and they too were heading towards the mountain though moved very little in daylight as the brighter sun hurt their eyes and their wargs needed rest occasionally too, so I endeavoured to cover up the trail the dwarves left behind upon occasion and led them in a new direction, sending them away from the mountains. It took several days but my troubles were rewarded as I watched observantly from the safety of a rocky ledge, near invisible to the eye because of my grey clothing as the orc pack that were scouting the way ahead turned from the mountain path and went westward.
With my task complete, I turned and leaped up the rocky face, taking one of the paths up into the mountains with my foresight guiding my way. By nightfall a heavy storm had descended with lashing rain and clashing thunder, bright bolts of lightning splitting the skies as the deep groaning of rocks sounded through the myriad of noises that burst in my eardrums. Gripping onto the side of the mountain my eyes lifted, seeing for the first time the towering figure of a stone giant and I was struck dumb by the magnificence, towering and fierce in its regal fortitude. "Valar help me…" I whispered, staring as more appeared from their restive slumber, engaging in a battle that shook the very roots of the mountains.
Feeling the vibrations rattle through my bones I gripped onto the side of the mountain once more, taking deep breaths as the rain soaked my skin and the wind howled like braying war dogs, snapping its jaws around me as I forged my way forwards. Their battle was brutal and I saw the final two throwing punches at one another mercilessly, one stumbling backwards and crashing into the opposite mountain, cleaving off its tip like it were nothing. Without thinking I began to call out, my voice carried by the wind as the elvish tongue flowed effortlessly, echoing with such strength as a wizard's spell as I called for calm and peace.
My hand reached out towards the stone giant that had gone to finish off its opponent but upon hearing my voice, they both stopped and listed to my voice that sang through the storm and rain. I called for them to make peace with one another, humming low and using the power of the elves that ran through my veins to sooth the temper of the giants in the hope of securing safer passage through the treacherous mountain paths. They both turned to me and I held my breath, watching as the near victor turned to then take a lumbering and earth shattering step towards me. Strangely I felt no fear, even as the rain pelted my skin and the giant loomed over me I continued to reach out towards it, fingers perfectly still as the rocky form reached down and allowed me to step into the palm of its hand.
As it lifted me up I felt a surge of power at being risen so high into the sky, fearlessly gazing at the giants as they both rose to look down upon me, perhaps not even realising such creatures as I existed. It was a timeless moment and one that I would remember until the ending of my days. To look upon such creatures as ancient as the world itself was a blessing though their ease for destruction was nothing short of terrifying. Should they wish they could smother me upon the mountainside or simply drop me and there would be nothing I could do to save myself, yet I was being held with such gentle care as I looked upon them and they stared at me. "Sleep peacefully, ancient ones, slumber deep and long as the mountains that stand tallest upon this land. Rest…lay down your troubles and sooth the storm that you wield. Sleep…sleep…" I guided them and their heads began to bow, the magic of my words working into their souls.
The giant that held me slowly returned me back to the mountain path that I was following, gently allowing me to slide from his palm before both giants returned to their mountain thrones and as the thunderous clashes of sound eased, they melted into the stone of the mountain and once more returned to sleep as my pulse remained slightly faint from my awe. Such magnificent creatures that I have witnessed, I wonder if people would think me mad if I told them of stone giants that fought under the stormy skies.
Exhaling the breath that I did not realise I had been holding I returned to the path, effortlessly walking over the slippery slope even as it declined into a sheer drop, knowing that time was of the essence and there was something that I must do before the sand fell to the bottom of the hourglass. The company would soon be facing their next danger under the illusion that they were safely tucked away within the mountain itself. Though I knew that they would be safe, haste was still required in order to watch over them and ensure their safety.