Chapter 1

rowing up with eleven other children is never an easy thing to do, especially when those children aren’t your siblings. To Thendel they may as well have been complete strangers and they snubbed her thus. From the age of two she grew up with her mother’s older sister, Mandolay, and her husband.

Her own parents had died when she was younger of an illness that resulted from living in squalor. The sickness took very little time to take hold and it wasn’t long before the tiny babe’s cries were heard from passer-bys on the street. Resting in the crook of her dead mother’s arms, her own body shaking from the illness, Thendel whimpered with pain. Her hand was held tightly in her mother’s red, raw one and was being crushed. Raising dark eyes to those who found her the babe stopped whimpering to raise her voice in one keening wail as she was taken from her parents. Hands once soft and smooth, now as red as her parents stretched out beseechingly before she whispered hoarsely, “Mama.”

he marks on her hands had never faded as she grew older and she was taunted ceaselessly by her cousins. Only her dark eyes seemed unchanged by the illness though they burnt with a feverish light from then on. Her body, unable to recover fully, remained tiny and in almost all senses stunted. She barely reached the shoulder of her youngest cousin who was himself small for 15 years of age. Her hair that once showed the promise of sun-kissed blonde locks now darkened like her demeanour into a mass of brown curls. When she reached the age of twenty one, a respectable age in the small village she lived, Thendel made the resolve to leave. Having no prospects of marriage nor wishing for them she saw little to keep her in the village that had been her birthplace and that which had taken her parents so cruelly from her. With no thought as to where she was headed the young woman slipped from her aunt’s home carrying little else than a grey woollen blanket from the back closet and the staff one of her cousins had whittled away at into a spiralling vine up a branch. Food had yet to enter her naive mind. Dusk fell and with it the white mist that embraced the night in its cloying, damp tendrils, drifting through the outlying forests and fields. Wisps of mist tugged at her clothes, dampening the mass of curls on her head and plastering them to her skin, irritating trickles ran down her back. Wet, miserable and now hungry but still determined to leave the young girl settled down amongst the bracken lining the path she took. Wrapping herself tightly in the blanket she settled down to sleep, aware already of the dangers she faced as the staff was clutched tightly in her small red hands.

he moon had reached its zenith when she awoke to a sound. Something she couldn’t quite place. Her hold on the staff tightening she stood up and walked forward boldly. A vulnerable, small creature struck with the moonlight that glistened through the mists. But her eyes blazed brightly as she hit the bottom of the staff on the ground and her face glowed with anger. “Come forth that I might see you, scum.” She said firmly, though she shook at the tenacity of her words. Light, gay laughter reached her ears and from the shadows stepped two elves. One dark-haired and pale, the other blonde and fair. Amusement was writ on their features as they slowly circled her. “What do you make of this cousin of mine?” The dark-haired one asked his voice like a purring whisper, like smoke drifting across the sky in a still morning. Starlight shone in his eyes and moonlight on his hair as he stopped before her and looked her in the eyes. “I know not what to make of it cousin, though I do now a child such as this should be abed at this time of night.” The blonde one crowed merrily. He was the day to his cousin’s night, a fresh breeze on a balmy summer day. The sunlight reached his eyes and warmed the girl-woman up with his gaze. She blushed brightly but stood firm. “I am no child; though I may appear so.” Thendel’s face grew proud as she continued, “I am all of one and twenty.” Laughter greeted her statement and the dark one brought his face closer to hers before whispered breathily, “In good sooth, you are still but a child, little one.” Placing one hand over his breast his gaze intensified, “For here you are not yet grown.” “Nor in mind it may seem, for who would step out with a challenge when orcs and other fell beasts stalk these lands.” The blonde one chuckled softly, his eyes never leaving his cousin. “Let alone two elvish brethren on search for such beasts.”

hrugging her shoulders defensively Thendel turned to leave, one restraining hand on her shoulder spun her back around. “Never turn your back on an enemy, Min Tithen” the dark one scolded gently. Shifting the cloak he wore slightly, the elf revealed a sword hanging at his side. Moonlight caught the blade causing it to shine with a deadly light. This was one elf used to his own way, and crossed at other’s peril. “So what would you have me do, master elf? Leave you to return to my rest backwards?” The blonde one laughed again, heartily and merrily. Full of mirth at the girl-woman’s words. His eyes lit up with delight and he clapped his fingers together lightly. “Ah, the mysterious one has humour has she not cousin?” Nodding his head in assent the dark-haired elf released Thendel from his grip and dropped his arms to his side. Cool and calm again his face shared none of his brethren’s pleasure. Stiff and silent he retreated into the shadows, leaving Thendel with the blonde elf. “My cousin, Rynfuin, will take first watch this night, sleep Min Tithen for you have much too learn in the morning.” The blonde elf whispered soothingly as he led the girl-woman back too where she had slept so deeply before. His voice drifted into a crooning murmur as he sang softly, lying down to join her in the heather. The broken heather smelt nice as she curled herself tightly up into a ball. Behind her the blonde elf sighed deeply in the moonlit night before falling asleep himself.

hendel awoke to the brisk smell of dawn, though the mist was still heavy over the land it had lifted somewhat during the early hours of the morning. Breathing deeply she relished its smell, the smell of freedom. This, strangely, was mixed with the smell of tart apples and bread. Shaking her head in confusion she sat up to see the dark elf, Rynfuin, sitting opposite her. The food was spread out on the ground between them both and Rynfuin was eating sedately one of the apples. “You may have some if you like Min Tithen, they are good. The apples are not yet ripe but their bitterness is a good way to shake off one’s remaining fatigue.” A slight smile tugged at the corner’s of his mouth as he said this. He knew that, to most, he was considered as acerbic as the apple he ate. Reaching for one, Thendel returned the smile thankfully. She had never felt hunger like this before and her stomach ached for food. There came a brief shout from the shrubbery surrounding them and the blonde elf leapt out, his bow drawn and aimed straight for Rynfuin’s breast. Startled, Thendel reached for her staff and stood rapidly. Her instincts on high alert she backed away from the two cousins. “You are trying to poison her cousin!” The blonde elf said accusingly, his body trembling with rage. Holding his hands out in appeasement the dark elf stood up with all the grace of a stretching feline. “If any wanted to kill Min Tithen, dear Collach it would have been you. I had noticed your bow was trained on her all night.” Shocked beyond belief Thendel froze, her instincts now screamed at her to leave, to do something, to move at least. But she had turned numb, her mind had shut down and she could only shake her head over and over again. The apple in her hand slipped to the ground and before she realised what was happening an arrow was aimed straight for her, the bow taught and waiting to sing. Then, not knowing what she was doing she flicked the bottom of her staff out at the blonde elf’s bow. The connection caused the arrowhead to snap clean off and she dropped the staff like a hot cake. “If you disarm yourself during battle Min Tithen there is no point in fighting. Is there?” Collach asked calmly, picking up and pocketing the arrowhead. Patting it carefully he turned his attention to Rynfuin. “We know she can handle herself, unless she becomes sorry for hurting her opponent again, but she failed our little test.” The dark elf was shaking his head sadly, as though disappointed in the human girl. Picking up the bread he thrust it into her arms before retrieving his weapons. Then without a word, he turned his back and made his way to the path. He melted into the shadows until only a flicker of light from the tip of his sword could be seen. Retrieving her own weapon, for that was what it was to her now, Thendel held the bread close to her chest and moved swiftly after the silent, dark elf. He proved elusive however and she had almost given up hope of finding him again before she caught sight of something. It was akin to starlight in the soft gloom of the forest and with a beating heart she hurried over.

ynfuin was sitting on a moss covered log, his knees raised up and his arms crossed in front of them. He had his chin rested in his leather-clad knees and his face was one of pensive defeat. The look seemed so out of place on him that she immediately dropped before him, heedless of the dampness slowly seeping through her own pants. Soft curls fell over her face as she held one red hand up to the elf above her. Her body raked with sobs as she knelt there for so long that the sun was almost fading once more. Rynfuin’s smooth, white hand covered her own rough one and smoothed the palms with his fingertips. Raising dark eyes, burning and glowing like a thunder-storm Thendel managed to whisper,
“May I call you father?” Rynfuin uttered not a word, although he continued to stroke the girl-woman’s hands with his own. Unsure of herself she managed to stutter, “O, only y, y, you remind me so, so much of him. A, and I th, thought…” “You remember so long ago Min Tithen?” Rynfuin asked softly, his soft purring voice like warm velvet to her ears. “It is not so easy to forget the one’s you live Rynfuin, I remember so much about him…” “Tell me then, tell me what you remember.” “I remember his eyes, they were so like mine. Dark and stormy yet holding so much love and warmth that sometimes looking into them it was like falling only there were strong hands guiding you down. His hair was dark as well, like the tumble of a waterfall on a night without moonlight. Black liquid, so soft and caressing. I used to twist my little hands in his hair as he carried me about on his shoulders. He was so tall too; he always had to duck to walk through doorways. We were so poor we couldn’t afford somewhere better you see. He was so wise too, so young yet he seemed so wise. He wasn’t learned, oh no not learned but he knew things that even the most learned professor couldn’t fathom. And his voice…” Here Thendel paused before taking a shaky breath. “A purr, soft, resonating and so, so deep. It was like being wrapped amongst the softest blankets in the world yet not suffocating. Velvet soft, warm and comforting. I used to love just listening to him talk…” “Oh Min Tithen…” Rynfuin whispered softly, reaching down to stroke a thumb over her cheek. She began to sob again and grasped his soft hand in her rough one, squeezing it tight as her tears made her body shudder. “You may call me father, adar.”

ollach joined the pair then, resting one hand on the girl’s head benevolently and grasping his cousin by the shoulder with the other. “You have grown child, in mind…” “And in heart” Rynfuin finished quietly. “And yet you have so far to go, so much too learn in such a short time.” They said together before lifting Thendel to her feet. Collach held out the staff, it’s leaves and vines now as though they were alive and growing, so green were they in look. Grasping it tight she felt energy flow through her veins and she nodded. “I must go; there is a place I must seek out. My destiny lies there not with you. To Minas Tirith.” “To Minas Tirith.” Rynfuin repeated gently. On an impulse he reached for the sword at his side and drew it. It was beautiful in its simplicity, straight lines and soft curves marked its hilt and turning the pommel in Thendel’s direction he thrust it into her hands. “Take this, a gift from father to daughter. Use it wisely and well, but know this. It is with your staff that your true skill lies and not with a sword whose blade shines brighter almost than the stars. Receiving it gratefully Thendel shoved it into her belt, Rynfuin used no sheath and so would his daughter. “I go now, to Minas Tirith. Farewell Collach, farewell Adar; father mine.” “Farewell Min Tithen, may the stars shine upon your journey and may, beneath a moonlit sky, we meet again.” Collach said gaily. “Fare thee well daughter mine.”

Chapter 2

fter two days steady travelling, Thendel began to feel as though she was being watched. It was that uncomfortable feeling, the one where the hairs on the back of your neck seem to stand up. A light rain began to fall as she moved quickly into the undergrowth. Her staff was gripped firmly in her small hands as she settled back against a tree to wait.

fter what seemed like an impossibly long time, probably due to the rain starting to seep through her clothes, Thendel heard a voice further back on the path. She was unsure what shocked her more; the fact someone was singing with the dangers in these woods, or the fact she knew the voice very well.

blonde mop of curly hair appeared around the corner, quickly followed by a young Hobbit merrily singing...

Cherry pie, and apple too,
Don't forget Bungo's stew,
Three for me, and three for you,
Can you eat as Hobbits do?

Ah, yes I'll have a seat,
And a stool to rest my feet,
Lot's of good friends to greet,
Yes I can eat as Hobbits eat.

Loaves of bread piping hot,
Porridge eaten straight from the pot,
We'll have a feast; we've got a lot,
Can you manage what a Hobbit can tot?

Ah, yes I'll have a seat,
And a stool to rest my feet,
Lots of good friends to greet,
Yes I can eat as Hobbits eat.

There's the cheese over there,
I hear the wine is rather rare,
Eat it up without a care,
Could you eat a Hobbit's fare?

Ah, yes I'll have a seat,
And a stool to rest my feet,
Lots of good friends to greet,
Yes I can eat as Hobbits eat

There are piles of food galore,
Don't be afraid to ask for more,
There's cakes shelved in the store,
Isn't that what good friends are for?

hendel slipped silently behind the warbling Hobbit and clamped a firm hand over his mouth. She hushed him silently when he went to protest and pull her hand away, and then pulled him back into the undergrowth with her. After a few moments the Hobbit stopped struggling and lay still. With a sigh of relief, she took her hand away.

" verard Took, what on earth are you doing here?" She demanded sternly. The young Hobbit blushed underneath her scrutinising gaze and dropped his head. The rain began to fall more steadily. Grasping his chin in her hands she raised his face to look at her.

", I, some 'ink tole me to follow you, Thendel. Honest, on Old Took's honour, it did." Twisting his hands in his lap, the young Hobbit's eyes kept flicking back and forth nervously. Thendel was just about to reply when a scream sounded. The rain had begun to fall in steady sheets of white now, beating down on the Hobbit's uncovered head relentlessly.

tanding, she pulled Everard up with her and walked quietly in the direction of the scream. Everard padded along behind her, equally as silent, but shivering with fear. Together they followed the path until they could see a light shining up ahead. Flitting shadows moved about to what sounded like a drum beat, faster and faster. Their movements grew wilder and more frenzied as the pair crept up.

y the light of a large campfire in the middle of the road, Thendel and Everard could make out a band of orcs. Not too many, but what seemed like a lot for two inexperienced things like them. Off to one side was someone bound to a pole. One of the orcs was tying a filthy piece of material around its mouth as they watched. If any amusement could have been got from the situation, it would have been watching the orc try and fit it around the beard. From that and its build Thendel could only assume it was a Dwarf.

ndicating to Everard to stay where he was, Thendel slipped around until she was just behind the Dwarf.

" ust stay as still as you can, sir; no sudden movements, and me and my friend will have you free as quick as you can say Hobbiton."

he Dwarf grunted something in reply, but did as she bid him too. Using the tip of her sword, Thendel began to work at the rope tying the Dwarf to the pole. Already his hands were starting to change color through lack of circulation and she knew she didn't have much time before he would be useless in the fight. Whispering thanks to the rain, which hid her from the Orcs' sight, and was blessedly putting out the huge bonfire slowly, she finished the hands and started on his feet.
he was aware of the presence again, and patting the ground next to her, she tried not to show her annoyance as Everard sat down beside her. He was puffing heavily but he had an annoyingly smug grin on his face as he patted something next to him. The Dwarf gave a grunt of surprise and Thendel turned to see a battle-axe. The young Hobbit had retrieved it from the Orcs.

lashing him a quick smile, Thendel began to untie the dirty rag around the Dwarf's mouth. It was stained dark with blood and she dropped it to the ground in disdain. Rubbing his hands furiously behind his back, in an effort to get circulation back, the Dwarf muttered his thanks before grabbing his battle-axe.

hendel only had enough time to shove a small knife in Everard's hand and push him backwards before the Dwarf roared and the two attacked the unwary band of Orcs. Stunned, the closest Orcs fell to the Dwarf's sweeping axe as it cleaved their heads off and Thendel's staff, as heads were quickly cracked with more strength than skill.

owever, those furthest away soon recovered from their shock and grabbed their own weapons. The Dwarf dealt with his captors with a great deal of finesse, despite his evident rage, and it wasn't too long before the first onslaught was dealt with. An arrow sped through the air and lodged itself firmly in one of the Orc's necks. Glancing in the direction it had come from, Thendel could make out Everard perched in a tree with a stolen bow and quiver of arrows.

s she turned back, she knocked the wind out of an Orc holding its sword above her head. Drawing her staff back, she heaved it at him again, landing just below its chest, making it double over in pain. Spinning on her heel, she thumped it into an Orc's neck, snapping it with a bone-crunching sound. The fire had now died in the onslaught of the rain, and thunder boomed around. Wiping her wet hair from her eyes, she ignored the smear of blood and continued fighting.

- - - - - - - - -

unlight drifted through the waving branches of the trees, making shifting shadows on the wet ground. A constant drip of water fell from the leaves on the trees, wetting the miserable trio. The Dwarf and Hobbit glared at each other from their separate sides of the small clearing as Thendel gently mopped the blood from the dwarf's arm. Her own head was bandaged tight and already the blood was seeping through the material.

s she finished, Thendel sat back to admire her work. It still needed bandaging. The bottom of her cloak would do for that, but for now she had a question that needed asking.

" ho are you sir? And what brought you into the hands of those foul creatures?"

he Dwarf stared at her pensively as she started to tear a strip of material from the bottom of her cloak. His face remained as stony as the homes of his kind for a few minutes before he deigned to answer.

" y name is Throin that is all. Anymore than that I cannot tell you, nor is there anything to tell except I was waylaid. And now..."

e paused for a few minutes as Thendel tied the strip of material around his wound. The Dwarf flexed his fingers when she had finished and seemed pleased with her work because he managed a small smile. "Where was I?"

verard went to answer before Throin hushed him severely.

" h yes, and now I have nowhere to go. I was sent somewhere and didn't arrive at the allotted time. So now it seems I am homeless once more."

he young Hobbit started to fidget impatiently. Tapping his finger lightly on Thendel's knee, he pointed in the direction of the woods behind them. Nodding, Thendel let him go, and with a much hushed whoop of joy, he bounced off into the trees.

" nd now young gel, care to tell me what you're doing wandering in these woods with a young rapscallion such as that Hobbit?"

" e isn't a worry, Throin, I assure you. Everard just gets a little excited sometimes." At this point, the Dwarf huffed and glared in the direction the Hobbit had run off "He is my best friend. He followed me when I left my home, you see, and I couldn't very well tell him to go home."

" nd your name?"

" ardon? Oh, I'm sorry. My name's Thendel, Thendel Fowler. And Ev's full name is Everard Took. I was travelling with two Elves for awhile..."

he Dwarf stood abruptly and tugged at the bandages impatiently. Shouldering his battle-axe, he started walking down the road. Clambering up, Thendel tried not to notice the fact her vision was swimming and chased after him.

" hroin, are you okay? Did I say something?"

" ay something? Say something?! You, dear girl, are consorting with the very creatures," spitting out the word 'creatures' as though it were dirty tasting he continued, "that have made me homeless. Leading those Orcs there and having them destroy my home and my family. My FAMILY, Thendel! Money can't replace that."

" know," Thendel whispered softly.

" ou know? How could you know? You're just a child. No I don't think you do and I don't need the pity of an Elf-friend. Go, Go back to your precious Hobbit friend and leave me to my mourning."

hroin turned his back on her and sat down on a rock. Thendel stood, staring at his broad back for a few moments, then turned herself. However, she didn't walk away.

" y family died, Throin, and I should have died with them. Who knows? Maybe I wouldn't be following this hopeless destiny if I had. But I have to live with it. I've learnt to live with it. It was hard, and do you know what? Some nights it hurts so bad I cry myself to sleep. It is then I am glad for my precious Hobbit friend. I have learnt to love him, Throin. Everyone needs friends."

ears streaked her face as she turned slowly to face the aged Dwarf again. His eyes had gained a haunted look and his beard quivered slightly. Folding his arms tightly across his chest, he began to rock back and forth.

" t is okay to cry, Throin."

hifting slightly he grunted then choked out a sob. Holding his head in his hands, he bent over. Tears splashed onto the already damp ground as Thendel rushed to the dwarf's side and wrapped her small arms around him. Smoothing his hair down as Rynfuin had done for her only a few days ago, she whispered to him softly. Wordless nothings, soothing his frayed emotions, so raw for a Dwarf.

ight footsteps headed towards them, barely noticeable over Throin's sobs. From around the corner Everard skipped, his arms laden with food. A mushroom disappeared into his mouth as he stopped beside them. Dropping them to the ground, he grinned. "Elevenses."

laring at the Hobbit, Throin rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands furiously. Drying the tears on his face, he shrugged Thendel's comforting embrace off nonchalantly. Everard winked cheekily at him as he casually popped another mushroom into his mouth. In a few moments the trio had a small fire going and were heating water up for a stew. A rabbit lie on a rock and Thendel was skinning it carefully as Everard sliced up the vegetables with the knife the girl had given him the night before.
hroin sat to one side, glaring at Everard still when Thendel's voice broke his reverie.

" ou are quite welcome to join us if you like, Throin. A fighter like you will come in handy, and we both welcome new friends, don't we, Ev?"

rinning Everard nodded, "Oh aye, we do."

" he day I become friends with that fool of a Took is the day that I allow myself to be caught again, " Throin said gruffily, "But I shall join you, Thendel."

Chapter 3

>Throin and Everard spent the next few weeks travel fighting. Not physical fighting, rather verbal. They let it be known that neither liked the other much. If truth be told they didn’t like each other at all. Throin was gruff and blunt, caring little for the warm friendship and love Thendel and Everard shared. In contrast Everard was warm and open, up for a laugh but knowing just when his best friend needed comfort.

If truth be told they each believed the other was not good for Thendel, which led to many a heated debate over the fire at night. When Thendel fell down the steep ravine they were descending, Throin was there to help her up and support her until she could walk on her own again. Unable to assist because of his size, Everard spent the next few days and nights sulking moodily and nothing Thendel said could coax him into song.

He snapped out of it easily enough when Thendel had her nightmare again. A recurring one that hit her when she least expected it. The young Hobbit was by her side instantly, holding her tightly as she wept for her lost family as again and again she pictured their deaths. Throin could only watch self-consciously knowing there was little he could do.

This night was nearing the end of spring and the rains were starting to abate. The air was warm and balmy as they rested on the banks of the river Greyflood. The trio had a small fire lit to boil water and warm some of the bread they had cooked a few nights before. The rich smell of toasting bread drifted through the small dell in which they lay mingling with the smells of drying grass.

The day had been a lazy one, spent fishing on the river’s bank and hunting randomly through the undergrowth for plants to stock up their dwindling supply. It had been decided that they would head for the small fishing community on the banks of the river Anduin where it met the sea. Ered Anduin it was called. However they had barely enough food to reach there unless they stopped over at one of the new towns that had been built up since King Aragorn’s ascent to the throne. None of them liked that idea much.

Although both Everard and Thendel longed for the sounds of other voices and sweet music that they missed. The songs and rhymes they sang to while away the evening hours were becoming repetitive even to them. Song without music had lost its earlier appeal. So, while Thendel and Throin tended to their meal Everard was busy building a crude version of a lute.

Twisting the hairs he had pulled from Thendel’s head tightly and rubbing them with the fat of a rabbit he deftly made the strings. The body seemed to be the hardest thing to make but Throin looked up and muttered gruffly.

“I can carve you out the body young un’s. Though with only a limited set of tools it shan’t be good.”

Thendel eagerly agreed and soon the sounds wood-carving echoed around them. It was so rhythmic that the two watching were lulled to sleep. Throin continued on, humming a dwarf’s song under his breath and tapping his foot in time to the knife carving away at the piece of wood lying in his arms. The sun set before them in a blaze of color and the fire died down without the attention of the trio and still Throin sat carving.

Darkness had fallen when he put it aside and roused Thendel. Using the carvings they quickly had the fire lit again. In the light of the flickering flames two forms could be seen. Throin growled low in his throat but Thendel leaped to her feet and went to sit before them. Gold glinted in the light of one of the creature’s hair.

“Collach, Rynfuin; you have returned. Did you find what you sought?”

“Aye Min Tithen, though it seems it was little welcomed by your friend here.”

Her face wreathed in smiles she hugged Collach close to her before starting to laugh. Collach soon joined her when Throin’s face darkened.

“Throin dear, you know they couldn’t help it.” Thendel scolded gently, earning her a benevolent smile from Rynfuin. “Oh how I have missed you both. It seems so long since I saw you before.” Holding her hand out, she pressed it lightly to Rynfuin’s forehead. The dark elf took her hand in his own and kissed it lightly.

“Dear daughter of my heart, I have missed you also. It seems you have grown more joyful since I saw you last.” Rynfuin stated calmly, his gaze falling in the sleeping Hobbit. “Oh yes, I love Everard dearly and he has shown me how to be happy once more.” The young girl paused briefly and looked into the eyes of elf that had adopted her as his daughter intently. “It was you that sent him Adar?” “No that was Collach’s doing, my cousin sent him a dream whilst he slept. A simple thing to do though not something I believe in indulging in. But the flame burns brightly in Collach’s heart – it is futile to dissuade him once his mind is set.”

Both elves and the human turned their gaze to the sleeping Hobbit. Stretching out her arm, Thendel brushed a lock of blonde hair from his face lightly. Throin grunted again and returned his attention to the fire. However the sound of Throin’s voice awoke Everard and for an instant the angelic smile that had been on his face darkened. Upon seeing Thendel and the two elves looking at him intently he smiled again. Blue eyes shone with laughter as he jumped up.

“I know you,” He said to Collach as he planted himself by Thendel’s side, “You’re the elf from my dreams.” Rynfuin stared at his cousin incredulously to which the blonde elf grinned sheepishly. “You showed yourself to him cousin? That goes against everything either of us believes in. Why did you do it?” Collach sat still for a few minutes, obviously thinking deeply. If he was going to get Rynfuin on side again he would have to choose what he was about to say very carefully. “It was purely an accident, I was thinking to hard about Thendel being by herself to worry about showing myself to the Hobbit. I fear I might have let a bit of myself into the dream without realising it until it was too late. By that time the Hobbit had realised I was there and his dream-self demanded to know who I was.” Winking at Thendel he couldn’t resist adding, “I mean it’s not everyday a young Hobbit gets to see an elf so utterly ravishing as myself. I could not disappoint him.”

Shaking his head Rynfuin let the matter drop and nodded his head in the direction of the eastern horizon. The wisps of clouds that streaked the sky were already stained a pale pink color against the dark blue of the night sky. The stars still glittered in the heavens.

“Arien, she who guides the sun, will arise soon and Tilion shall leave our sky. Plans we must make, wither shall we head?” “Ered Anduin.” Thendel replied, her gaze still caught by the magnificence heralding the arrival of Arien, the Maia. “To learn of my father.” Rynfuin nodded his ascent and both he and Collach set about packing up the camp. Together they helped share the load and doused the fire. As the sun appeared over the tree tops, casting a pale golden light on the swaying green ocean and the ripples of the blue, they set off once more.

What little clouds marred the perfection of the pale sky fled at the coming of the Maia and her vessel so that no shadow dimmed their path. Bird call sounded around them, and joyous once more Everard took up the lute, and prepared to string it. To his astonishment it was done, the rich burgundy of the wood shone as though waxed and the strings were tuned to perfection. The soft, warm sounds joined in chorus with the trills of the birds.

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