The time has come to leave. In truth the time to leave was last week but you were hardly going to ride into uncharted territory without scouting it first. Then the disease swept into camp and ate up the rest of your time during the week. As such you are not ready to simply walk out of camp the moment you decide to leave. You spend several hours gathering supplies. Food for at least two weeks, that you have to make yourself because hard biscuits filled with insects are not real food. This naturally takes up a good few hours, while haggling for some dried and salted meat takes a few more. You also manage to find a few root vegetables that will keep for a week or so. Then comes the true challenge, negotiating with Orundómë. This takes nearly an hour but, in the end, you convince him to carry the saddlebags while you ride; In exchange you have to carry them when you are not riding. You cannot help but feel that he has gotten the better of you in the negotiations, since you will be travelling through a forest and therefore not riding very much, but there is nothing you can do about it. With all that out of the way you head off to say your farewells around the clan, Orundómë following behind you.
Naturally you began by saying farewell to Keeper Marethari. As the leader of the clan the etiquette you grew up with demands she be bid farewell first. On a personal note, she often feels like the only person in the clan who does not want for something from you, and you cannot help but feel closer to her for that. Actually, on further reflection, she might actually want you to leave. Regardless, she is the first person you speak to of your imminent departure.
"Farewell Keeper. You have my gratitude for taking me in when I had nothing. You have been a most gracious host, worthy of the Valar themselves." You bow as you speak.
Your words are derived from the formal farewells that might be offered to a king of your people. She might not have the true stature of such exalted leaders, but manners never hurt anyone, except maybe Turko.
Marethari starts slightly when you speak but quickly recovers enough to respond. "It was no trouble at all Nelyafinwë. You are too kind. Where do you plan on going?"
"I seek the ruins in the heart of the forest. It is my hope that I might begin to uncover the secrets of Elvish writing there." You reply, in as neutral a tone as you can manage.
You are pleased to see guilt flash across her features for a moment before she speaks. "Ah, I wish you luck then. There should be another clan out that way. Their keeper is Zathrien. I should probably give you a letter of introduction now that I think of it."
"I am not certain that such a letter would be necessary." You begin.
Marethari interrupts you, "My people are untrusting of outsiders and quick to violence if they feel their territory is threatened. After all you have done for my clan, it would be ungrateful not to give you some sign to allow you safe passage past other Dalish, at the very minimum."
Marethari enters her wagon and emerges fifteen minutes later with a note in her hand. You look up from your attempts to teach Orundómë a simple poetry game as Marethari hands you the letter and a small pin. The pin is made of bronze and takes the shape of the eight pointed star of house Fëanáro with a stag's head cast in the centre.
"Ilen made that as thanks for saving him and his wife. It should let any Dalish know that you're a friend of our clan. Show the letter to them if there's any trouble." Marethari smiles at you. "Ma serannas halani, dareth shiral Nelyafinwë"
You return her smile tiredly. "Anes munta. Namárië, na varna Marethari."
The healers may have taken to wearing red cloaks but, due to the nature of the dyes they use, they are not the same shade as yours. You are glad of that, it would sit ill with you to see people not of your family, or those sworn to its service, in your house colours. You briefly bid them farewell. Spending the last week with them has taught you most of their names and those you do not know introduce themselves. They are sorry to see you go, several scold you for working through your 'illness' and suggest that you take some time to rest before you leave. All in all, it is a touching moment of camaraderie between people who had only met a few days ago. When you insist that you must leave now, they, in turn, insist that you take some of their tools with you. After a mercifully brief, and incredibly polite, argument you are left with the imaginatively named healer's kit and a small jar of red dye, such as they have used in their cloaks.
You spend slightly more than an hour bidding farewell to the warriors of the clan. You may have stepped back from leading them directly, but they still hold a great respect for you. Those you have personally trained and led, who form Auriel's warband, are particularly emotional. Though they try to hide it many of them are saddened to see you depart. After much urging for you to keep safe and to come back soon your first follower hands you one of the war-bows that Ilen has finished making. He tells you to remember them when you use it well and to not stand in front of charging bears in future. Amid laughter you thank him and assure all present warriors that nothing has managed to kill you yet so you doubt mere bears will manage the feat. You assume they are only laughing because they are unaware of both the number and the might of things that have failed to kill you in the past.
As you are bidding farewell to the warriors you come across Auriel. She has a complicated expression on her face.
"So you're leaving?" She asks. "Why?"
You nod. "I am. I have many things I need to do. I have to find my brothers. I need to figure out how I ended up here. All of which is likely to lead to more tasks to complete, none of which I can do if I remain here."
"Dammit. You're just up and leaving and I can't even be mad at you for it." She sighs heavily and continues, "Are you ever coming back?"
You shrug. "I may, I do not yet know where the road will lead me."
Auriel glares at the ground for a few minutes before she speaks. "Wait here a moment. I need to grab something."
As she vanishes into the crowd you shrug and continue to bid farewell to the other warriors. Auriel returns after a fair amount of time clutching a quiver.
"Here. You're always moaning about our arrows, so I put together a 'proper' quiver for you. Make sure not to lose them 'cause when you get back, I'm going to crush you at the butts. You better not let your practice slip or you'll be embarrassed in front of the whole clan."
You slip the quiver strap over your shoulder as you chuckle. "You will need a few more centuries of practice to surpass my skill with a bow."
You are not sure the loud noise that the warriors around you let out was strictly necessary; but Auriel is looking fiercely determined rather than whatever her previous expression was, which is a victory in your mind.
You have not seen Merrill at all so far which is strange. You had assumed that she would be with the Keeper. You end up running into her by the newly constructed horse pen, which is directly opposite the Halla pen and built the same way you showed the Dalish on your first day here. She is wobbling on top of a horse as Maren is shouting advice to her. You watch for a time as she slowly gets the hang of carefully manoeuvring her mount without tools like a rein. After a fall that sees her looking frustrated enough to need a break you step forward to bid her farewell.
"You're leaving?" Merrill gasps. "Why?"
You repeat your earlier assertions about having things you need to do elsewhere and inform her that you may return so there is no need for distress.
"But you can't leave! I have so much to learn still." She exclaims. "Can't you stay until I've got the basics down at least?"
"No. Every moment that passes is another moment my brothers have to get into even more trouble. I would like it if I could solve their problems, which they are undoubtedly causing as we speak, without needing an army."
Merrill looks hurt, perhaps even betrayed. You are trying to think of a good way to apologise when her gaze hardens as it did when you first agreed to teach her.
She looks you in the eye and says, "If you can't stay then I'm coming with you.".
You are taken aback by her words; it takes some time to recover sufficiently to respond. "Out of the question. You have duties to the clan and I'm not even certain if I will be able to teach you while we are on the road."
Merrill remains unmoved by your words.
"It isn't so unusual for a first to leave the clan for a time, it's even considered a useful experience." She replies. "As for teaching me, I know for a fact that you can't teach me if you're not here, so I'll take that chance."
"Surely you cannot just leave without telling anyone. Even if you are permitted to do so, surely you need Marethari's permission." You try.
"If I need Marethari's permission to accompany you I will go and get it right now." Merrill states firmly. "You are my teacher, and I fully intend to learn everything you have to teach me. If that means I need to leave the clan for a time, then that is what I will do. You can't change my mind on the matter."
You heave a great sigh and run your hand down your face. Merrill's determination is admirable, but you had hoped your days of preventing headstrong children from making mistakes were over.
Although you grieve for your days of freedom you say, "If we are going to do this, we are going to do this properly. Come with me, we will let the keeper know why you are leaving, and I will try to convince her that I am not trying to kidnap her student."
Merrill seems to have the presence of mind to realise that she has come close to causing an incident within the clan. She flushes and nods sheepishly. Together you travel back to the Keeper's wagon. You walk up to Marethari with Merrill trailing behind you.
"Greetings Keeper. I had not intended to return but your first has declared that she intends to accompany me on my journey." You begin.
Marethari's eyes gleam with mischief and she seems as though she is about to speak, but you have no intention of allowing this conversation to devolve into the light-hearted teasing she seems to delight in.
"Given the tense history between myself and your people." This statement causes the mischief in her eyes to die a sudden, richly deserved, death. "I thought it best to come and describe what I intend to do before she seeks permission to take leave of her duties."
When the keeper does not take your pause as an opportunity to begin speaking you continue, "I am headed for the Heart of the Forest to study the ruins there, as I mentioned earlier. I did not mention that I find the werewolf infestation in the area deeply concerning and I fully intend to take care of it while I am in there. Merrill wishes to accompany me, not because she wishes to aid me in these endeavours, but because she seeks to continue the tuition we discussed earlier. If you fear that she shall never return, I assure you that I fully intend to return before long. Should you choose to depart these lands she will naturally accompany you. That is all I believe you should know before you make your decision."
Marethari takes a moment to consider your words. Then she straightens herself up, as she does when discharging her duties, and, in a formal tone, asks Merrill, "Merrill, do you have something you wish to ask me?"
Merrill looks between the two of you for a moment in confusion, then her eyes widen in realisation and she swallows nervously.
Marshalling her courage she speaks as formally as she can. "Yes. I intend to travel with Nelyafinwë in order to finish my training in his 'arts'. May I have permission to depart the clan until such a time as I have learned all I need to?"
Marethari allows a moment to pass in silence, lending an air of ceremony to her reply, "Then go my First. Return with knowledge and wisdom to better serve our people. Ghilas ma enensal." With her blessing given the keeper slouches and sighs. "Thank you for this. I would likely have given my permission without thought if Merrill simply asked me alone. I suspect that the others would have felt as though you were up to something. Now with the formalities done there is little they can complain about."
You shrug. "I am certain they will find something else to complain about."
Your response elicits a small smile from the keeper. With Merrill's permission to depart taken care of, you have to wait while Merrill gathers her belongings and says farewell to her teacher. You are less than pleased that she is accompanying you, you are already being delayed and she will slow you down. She is neither as tall as you, nor as comfortable in the saddle.
You would have liked to depart immediately once she had gathered everything she owned. You had both said farewell to everyone you wished to, but Merrill's addition to your journey requires additional supplies. First you gather ingredients for, and make, more real rations that will keep and not make starvation seem like a more palatable option. Unfortunately, the camp is all out of vegetables that can be kept for longer than a day so you will have to forage more than you would have liked. Then you need to get a horse for Merrill, which requires negotiating with Maren and his apprentices. With the Marethari's support you do eventually secure a fairly docile mare for her. She lacks the control she needs to prevent the horse from wandering but you have the lord of horses to do so on her behalf. You do have to spend some time assuring Merrill that you will be fine without further equipment. You do take the time to pick up a length of rope at her suggestion. It is a very versatile item. Her having useful suggestions does make you feel better about her accompanying you on this journey.
By the time you have prepared everything a small crowd has gathered to see you away from camp. Some are there to make sure that you actually leave, but the majority are calling out farewells and good wishes as you pass.
You hear Tamlen call out, "I hope you get eaten by werewolves."
"I hope that you are discovered for the fraud you are." You reply.
You catch sight of Paivel looking at your departure with a sense of satisfaction. You make sure to smile widely in his direction when he notices Merrill is accompanying you, much to his displeasure. Despite these two incidents decreasing the cheer you feel you cannot help but be pleased by the overall positive farewell. As you emerge from the crowd and enter the forest the sounds of cheering and fond farewells completely overcome any voices raised in dissent. The joy you feel at your newfound freedom and the praise of those you have helped overcomes you. You break into a song that neither you nor your people have sung since the Battle of Sudden Flame.
Warning! Poetry/song ahead. If you hate that skip it.
"Cira alaheldolinya!
Samlmë anda men lelya
Linuvalmë ar liltuvalmë
Ar Arda avuvalmë
Pá hiswa ciryar ciruvalmë
Lintië minna Andúnë"
Translation: Sail my good friends!
We have a long way to go
We will sing and we will dance
And Arda we will depart
On grey ships we will sail
Into the West.
Song inspired by Row me Bully Boys.
Once you have departed you realise that with the decreased pace you are going to have long periods of time to fill in. There are the stretches of twilight that you would have had to stop for anyway but there will also be time on the journey itself to speak to her. You decide that it would be best to put that time to use, Merrill is your student after all.
As you travel through the woods you are keenly aware of the horses that follow you and Merrill. Your thoughts return to her falling from horseback. If you need to ride hard at any point, she is going to be a significant liability. You have the time to teach her though, the forest is thick and hard for a horse to move through true. Hard terrain also makes for slow going, which is ideal for a learner. You also consider just getting started on her lessons. The sooner you start the sooner it is over after all. In the end though you think the terrain is perhaps a little too hard going for such intensive lessons.
"Merrill, mount your horse. I will help you master riding while we travel." You inform your student.
Merrill looks up at her horse and then back at you. "Ah. Do you have a step or are you going to lift me up?"
As she speaks you are taking a half step and leaping onto Orundómë's back, the great horse not missing a step as you land on him.
"Why would you need either of those things?" You ask her in confusion.
Merrill looks up at you with an expression like someone asked her to lift a mountain. You massage your forehead; it seems she has more to learn than you thought.
You walk Merrill through the act of leaping onto a horse's back. It is not as hard as it looks. With your gentle guidance and praise for her successes she manages to get on her horse, a small, placid; dark grey mare she has named Da'banal'ras, Little Shadow. Teaching her how to balance without any of the stabilising aids provided by a saddle is a challenge, but one you are more than equipped to handle. She is very sceptical when you tell her to extend her arms while riding. It is natural to want to cling to the horse's neck or mane, but it is both unhelpful for the rider and painful for the horse. Stretching her arms to either side helps her to balance somewhat and prepares her for doing things with her hands while riding. You use Orundómë's connection to the mare to free Merrill from the challenge of steering during that first lesson.
The second lesson occurs in a small clearing once you stop for the night. You have her practice steering Da'banal'ras around with her legs. Merrill is gaining confidence quickly as she overcomes her instinctive fear and starts in assert some real control over the animal. Seeing this you push her to increase the speed at which she rides. Regardless of what she says, you definitely did not cause her horse to suddenly start galloping. You will say that it certainly proved that she could in fact keep her balance and that the challenge of steering a horse at a gallop was exactly what she needed to stretch herself beyond what she was comfortable with and grow as a rider.
The rest of the close to a full week, that you spend travelling is spent polishing what she already knows. She takes to your teaching with the same determination you have noticed her applying to all your lessons. Somewhat surprised by this you ask her about her seeming eagerness to learn something that so clearly scares her.
"Magic is skill, that's what you said. You don't ride like anyone else I've ever seen or heard of; you don't use reigns or a saddle and honestly, I sometimes wonder if you even need to tell the horse where to go. It looks like magic to me, and then I realised it's those connections you talked about. It's in how what you do affects the horse, a lesson in riding IS a lesson in magic. I get it now." She is positively gushing as she answers.
You are reasonably certain this is the culture clash between Noldor and Dalish at work. You never thought of the riding lessons as being related to what you are teaching Merrill. They are, now that she has pointed it out it is obvious, but that is not why you were teaching her to ride. In truth, you would not even call riding a horse magic, you would call it skill. Still, if it help Merrill to learn you have no problems keeping your thoughts to yourself.