Elloen woke up early, since he could not sleep well. He was lying uncomfortably on the ground as others around him prepared for the departure, and he rose up. Danel seemed still concerned about Estarfin, as was Elloen. Except for a one strange answer Estarfin already seemed to have a clear mind, though he would not have anything to drink or eat.
Elloen learned quickly to pay even more attention to his words while talking to Estarfin, but also figured how to soothe him. Apparently, for someone like Estarfin the word ”weak” should not be used, not even to express brotherly care like Elloen did. This made Elloen wonder in either case – even every elf has their weak moments, so why should it be a matter of shame? In this frankness he resembled his sister at times.
Elloen had observed the rest of the group carefully since he joined them. He had noticed some changes, especially between Parnard and Estarfin. Suddenly Estarfin and Parnard seemed to get along much better, at least as long as discussion about wine was involved. To Elloen it looked like Danel did not like the discussion much, though. When Elloen was left with Estarfin and Parnard, he wondered if he should be worried or not, because the discussion still went on. Perhaps to Elloen's luck (and Estarfin's and Belegos' dismay) someone had already consumed his wine, and hopefully not Estarfin.
Belegos was a reliable guide, as always. Rainith was still walking with her bare feet, even on the snow of Caradhras, and showed no signs of discomfort, which impressed Elloen greatly. When they arrived on the other side of the mountain, they found that it was inhabited by orcs. They fought their way down with ease, and Estarfin seemed to attract them plenty, but as a seasoned warrior, he did not seem to mind.
When the group had finally arrived to the border of Lórien, the group breaked in two, since Danel refused to enter deeper into the Golden Wood, and took Estarfin with her. This made Elloen wonder greatly, since even if the others explained that it was because of ”old grievances”, they would not yet say more about it, and Elloen would not ask. He did not know much of the history of Danel and Estarfin yet, except that they were the people of Caranthir.
Elloen knew that he would soon have to depart into the city of Caras Galadhon, though he soon expressed his will to stay with the group, if they needed his help. He guessed that they might go on, because it seemed odd to him that they would have come to Lórien only for a holiday, especially when Danel would rather walk around the forest, instead trespassing through it's heart. It made it look quite clear to him that she did not mean to stay in this place.
He took a deep breath of the fresh air of Lórien and followed Rainith's example, taking off his shoes while walking towards Cerin Amroth. He enjoyed the view with the rest for a while and then went towards the Caras Galadhon city gates.
At the gates hus uncle Feamiril was already expecting him. He bore the likeness of his father Fearáto, even to the point that one might have mistaken them as twins, though they were not. Elloen bowed in front of him with a sting of memory in his heart, and he lead him to his home talan.
They talked for a while, and Elloen showed him the First Age brooch, which shape resembled a golden wreath of leaf blades, with an icy blue gem set in the middle. ”I could recognize this anywhere”, Feamiril said. ”It certainly was my brother's, but it is broken. Perhaps I can help”, he continued. ”I taught Elvealin in the jewel crafts, and I will repair it for you. I think you wish to have a bath – perhaps I can also give you some new clothes.”
Linnen, Elvealin's mother prepared a meal for them while he bathed. Elloen felt very refreshed, and as he ate his food with his uncle and aunt, he remembered that he had to yet meet Lady Galadriel by Anglachelm's request, and talked about it. ”I will arrange it”, Feamiril said. ”Meanwhile, I will start with the brooch. Let us not forget the gemstone for my daughter, either.”
Before Elloen left for the great Mallorn tree, he also told Linnen about his companions, and that they might also visit the city, and they would probably also like some refreshment. ”So you did not come alone. Very well, that will do. I will offer them some of it, if they come in the city while you are gone”, and went to her harp, singing in the same uplifting manner as her daughter, and Feamiril did his work listening to her echoing melody.
Elloen was now wearing something else than a robe which he usually did, but it fit him well. He recalled meeting Lady Galadriel as a great honor and a pleasant experience. She took the scroll and read it, but whatever was the content of the letter, he would not know. None the less she would understand Elloen's state of mind very well, but such is the way of the daughter of Finarfin with most of the people who have met her.
When Elloen returned, Feamiril had finished his work and handed Elloen a brooch which was as good as new, and caught the light in clearly more brilliant way. He also showed him a large gemstone which was clear, but depending on how the light hits it, it looked like it had rippling water inside. ”This gemstone”, Feamiril said, ”is a treasure, and perfect for the bell of Lórien which she planned to carve.” But then Elloen told him about his will to go on with the rest of his company, and how he worried about carrying too much treasures.
”I see... but who would go to Rivendell from Lórien now?”, he aswered. As he was talking, a silver haired warden of Lórien stepped on the talan. ”That would be me, lord”, he said. Feamiril looked at him surprised and answered: ”You would, Telpenaro? But did the Lord and Lady give you a permission to leave the guard and the area?” Telpenaro nodded and bowed, and talked with Feamiril for a while.
”Well, hard for me to tell if it's all coincidence or not when such things happen right in times like these, because the Lord and Lady are far sighted, and you only just arrived from them, Elloen. Telpenaro is a friend of our family, and a valiant warden indeed, in many Ages. I will write a letter which explains your wishes to the leaders of your House, and recommends Telpenaro.”
Meanwhile Elloen prepared for his departure back to his companions, and trusted the brooch and gemstone for Telpenaro, but kept Elvealin's pendant to himself. Linnen stocked him with a pack of freshly made foods fit for long travels, lembas among them. ”You will need these. I hope you all come back alive and well.”
Right before Elloen emerged back to his companions, a warden could be seen that stopped to look at them at a distance, and then turned aside quickly before heading out of Lothlórien.
