Sometime earlier in the Third Age...
A Lórien sentinel paced along the banks of the Anduin, gazing across the vast river. The smoke in Southern Mirkwood appeared to have subsided from the skirmish from the night before and the orcs had retreated back towards Dol Guldur. Quiet, peaceful. The sun's morning light shimmered on the surface of the water and she closed her eyes, enjoying the moment's rare calm.
The silence was interrupted by the pounding of hooves coming from the east; the twigs snapped underneath the weight of the steed and its rider. His pace was light and swift, yet she sensed no great urgency in his steps. A messenger from Caras Galadhon had arrived.
"The Lady wishes to speak with you."
She nodded and whistled for Llamreth, her steed and friend for many years and rode to the heart of Lórien. It was autumn and the leaves had returned to their gold colour, blanketing the forest in a magnificent golden light. She soon approached the gate of the city and bid Llamreth to Rohiril, the stable master.
"Welcome back. Llamreth seems well," Rohiril remarked.
"She is. Though she requires rest, she was fearless in Mirkwood," the Lórien sentinel replied, smiling appreciatively at her companion. "Thank you, Rohiril." She walked over the bridge and nodded at the Galadhrim Guard as she headed for the gates.
She hastily approached Celurlin, the fountain that stood at the foot of the Great Mallorn, her heart racing with anticipation. Lady Galadriel had been welcoming to her when she first came to the Golden Wood many years ago, but this was the first time she had been summoned alone. What fate was she to endure? She made her way up the flet that led to the House of Celeborn. The guard atop gave her a friendly smile and welcomed her past. The Lady gracefully stepped forth, adorned with a pure white gown with golden trim and a delicately crafted golden circlet.
The Lórien sentinel bowed her head. "You are wondering why I summoned you," Lady Galadriel smiled softly, but continued with a sternness in her voice.
"I amar prestar aen. The Shadow continues to grow in the east. You know this for you are not a stranger to the darkness in the Greenwood." She continued, "You have done well among the Galadhrim. But the world outside beyond our realm is shifting." She paused momentarily, "You have walked these lands for many centuries, but I have foreseen that in this Age is where you will find your purpose in this Middle-Earth. You may not realize this yet, but your path will soon lead you from Lórien. It is not among the Galadhrim that you will thrive, but among Men."
The Lórien sentinel protested, "But Men - they are weak and easily corrupted by power. What good can I do, what can I trust among such fickle hearts?"
Lady Galadriel nodded but continued, "The fate of Men has yet to be determined, but they cannot walk alone. The old Alliance will be reforming and in time, you will find your path among them."
The Lórien sentinel bowed her head once more, her mind muddled with confusion. As she made her way to leave, a voice spoke in her mind: Go forth now as Adanmiel, for this name will serve you well as your path becomes clear.
---
And thus, she became known as Adanmiel Haerelwen for her fate was to be wholly intertwined with Men before she diminished into the West.
Adan - 'One of the Second people/elvish name for Men'; 'iel' - 'Daughter, maiden':
