Thibinoriel, Celebthondil, and members of their family sat comfortably at their dining table as they broke their fast. Suddenly, there came a knock at the door which Thibinoriel answered. It was a messenger bearing a note from Lady Galadriel. Thibinoriel thanked the messenger and placed a small green gem in his hand. She carefully opened the note and began to silently read it. When she had finished she returned to the dining table to share the news.
'I've received a message from Lady Galadriel. She wishes to speak to both Eregiel and Calentauriel. It goes without saying that you are to attentively listen to all that she says. Do not interrupt her! Ask no question unless she prompts you.' These last two things she said while looking at Calentauriel, the most impetuous of the three sisters.
'Of course, nésa. Eregiel and I will be on our very best behavior,' Calentauriel answered solemnly. 'Do you have any idea what this is about?' she eagerly asked.
'I do,' Eregiel interjected, 'at least I am reasonably certain that I do.' She looked at Thibinoriel for confirmation.
Thibinoriel met her gaze and nodded. 'As do I,' added Thibinoriel, 'but I think it best that you both listen quietly with open minds. She awaits you in her garden.'
Eregiel and Calentauriel briefly checked their appearance in a looking glass before their departure. Thalinras kissed Calentauriel, reminding his wife to heed Thibinoriel's advice. 'Do not worry, venno,' she told her husband. 'Did you not hear me say that I would be on my best behavior?' 'I did,' he answered with a grin, 'but I see no harm in reminding you.' 'I suppose not,' she said with a laugh. She returned his kiss before leaving with her sister.
~Galadriel's Garden~
'Welcome, Calentauriel and Eregiel,' the Lady greeted the sisters. 'No doubt you would like to know why I have summoned you.' Calentauriel vigorously nodded head; Eregiel remained motionless. Galadriel continued, 'As you may have guessed, Lord Celeborn and I have come to a decision regarding the steeds of Rohan: you must take them to Imladris.'
Calentauriel started to speak but Eregiel took her hand and gently squeezed it, silently reminding her sister to hold her tongue. Calentauriel was tempted to ask 'Why Imladris? Are they having another festival?' but thought better of it after Eregiel's admonition.
'The snow in the Caradhras Pass has sufficiently diminished to allow travellers to journey between Nanduhirion and Eregion,' Galadriel informed the sisters, 'It is still dangerous mind you, but I believe you have the wit and courage to pass safely over Hithaeglir. Take care of one another. Namárië.'
Eregiel spoke for them both, 'We will, Lady, and thank you.' The sisters curtsied, turned then walked towards the stairs that led out of the garden. They were intercepted by an attendant who directed them to visit the armourer, as well as the quartermaster, who would ensure that the sisters had all that they needed for their journey.
When all was ready the sisters rode north from Lothlórien along the path through Nanduhirion leading to the ancient Dwarf kingdom of Hadhodrond, which since its fall over one thousand years ago has usually been referred to as Moria, meaning the Black Chasm. Celebthondir, Thibinoriel, Thalinras and Tompobor accompanied them until the path divided. Eregiel and Calentauriel would venture the Caradhras Pass without them.
~Caradhras~
The path over Hithaeglir was steep and winding. While it was true the snow drifts were not deep enough to impede progress, it was nonetheless bitterly cold. The strong winds only increased the cold. The two sisters braved the frigid pass as best they could. The five horses of Rohan bore it remarkably well, huddling together as best they could against the wind and flurries of ice and snow.
The cold kindled memories of the long march over the Helcaraxë, the Griding Ice, that made it possible for Fingolfin and his followers to pass from Aman to Middle-earth. Sadly, many did not survive that arduous expedition. This journey over the mountain wasn't nearly as long or difficult, but back when they crossed the Helcaraxë the sisters were newly come from Aman and at the height of their physical powers.
As she rode along Eregiel began to feel warm and comfortable, remarkably so given the conditions. Suddenly through the ice and snow she saw a figure. 'Visibility is very poor. Could it be?' she thought. As the vision came into focus she said aloud, 'It is! It is Curunír! He has found us at last!' She called out to her sister, who was nowhere to be found. 'Calentauriel! Calentauriel! Where are you?" she cried. 'There is no escape for you!' Curunír said in a deep menacing voice. 'Gwaihir will not find you here!' Clasping her arms in his powerful grip, Curunír began to violently shake her. 'Tell me your secrets!' he demanded.
Suddenly Eregiel felt herself being shaken awake. 'Nésa! Awaken! Do not sleep here!' It was the voice of Calentauriel. Eregiel's eyes fluttered open to see the face her beloved sister. 'Here, have a mouthful of miruvor,' Calentauriel begged her. 'I feared that you had succumbed to the cold.' The Elven cordial restored warmth and vigour to Eregiel's limbs. 'Thank you, nésa,' Eregiel said with relief, thankful to her sister for saving her, yet ashamed that she had nearly failed her mission so shortly after it had begun.
There were no more difficulties after this incident. At last Elves and horses began the slow winding descent from Hithaeglir into the ancient realm of Eregion, named for the distinctive trees that populated the region. They then turned north to the Trollshaws and Imladris, the hidden realm of Elrond Half-elven. Another long winding path led them to the valley floor and the House of Elrond.
~Imladris~
After seeing that the horses were stabled and properly cared for, Eregiel and Calentauriel presented themselves at the Last Homely House. They unpacked their things in the guest room they had been given, then tidied up before visiting Lord Elrond in his library.
'Welcome back, Eregiel and Calentauriel of the Golden Wood,' Elrond greeted them. 'We are pleased that you have come. Please speak with my sons Elladan and Elrohir who will provide you all the details of your mission.'
'Mission? What mission?' Calentauriel asked her sister once they had left the library. 'I do not know for certain, nésa,' Eregiel answered, 'but I believe this is why Lady Galadriel sent us to Imladris rather than Rohan.' Calentauriel's face brightened with this realisation. 'I think you are right,' she replied.
Elladan and Elrohir were the only sons of Elrond Half-elven, and brothers to Arwen Evenstar, the betrothed of Aragorn son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Rangers of the North. The twins served their father chiefly as scouts.
'Tell us of our mission!' Calentauriel pleaded with the sons of Elrond. How predictably impetuous she was. 'It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,' Eregiel said with a courtesy to the Elf-lords. 'Please forgive my sister, she...' Elrohir laughed. 'No explanation is needed, lady,' he said. 'Elladan and I share her eagerness to depart, but our final preparations have not yet been made. It will be soon.' 'Until then we hope you will enjoy your stay in Imladris,' Elladan added, 'We have nothing here to compare to the great mellyrn of the Golden Wood, but the valley has a beauty of its own.' 'It does indeed,' Eregiel answered warmly, 'and we thank you for your courtesy.'
The sons of Elrond ensured that Eregiel and Calentauriel had all that they would need for their journey. They also introduced them to members of the Grey Company, thirty Rangers of the North who would be riding with them. They were led by Halbarad, who was very tall even for one of the Dúnedain, the ancestors of those Elf-friends who escaped the drowning of Númenor. Not surprisingly, Calentauriel asked Halbarad where the Company was bound, hoping he would be more forthcoming than Elladan and Elrohir. 'Fill your quivers and sharpen your blades!' was all that the Dúnedain leader would say. This sounded ominous indeed! The success of the mission would depend on secrecy and speed. One word in the wrong ear could place them all in jeopardy.
Not long thereafter the Company was finally ready to depart. Where they were bound had still not yet been shared with the sisters. Calentauriel was naturally anxious, although pleased to finally begin the journey.
'These are very fine steeds,' Elrohir said to the sisters as they mounted. 'Were they bred in Lothlórien? I have never seen their like.'
'I would that they were,' answered Eregiel, 'but no, these horses were raised on the plains of Calenardhon.'
'I should have known,' the younger twin replied. He then asked, 'How is it that you came to be in possession of them?'
'That is a very long story,' Eregiel said wistfully.
'We have a very long journey ahead of us,' Elrohir stated plainly. 'If you tell it as we ride I will glady listen.'
'As you wish, sir,' answered Eregiel with a shy smile.
Eregiel felt an immediate connection with Elrohir. They shared a love of horses, naturally, but there was something more, an unspoken sadness, perhaps, a feeling of loss. She would not press him on it but hoped that he, too, had a story to share.
At last Eregiel finished the story, sparing no detail known to her. Calentauriel added small bits here and there that Eregiel had thoughtully omitted. Calentauriel liked to contribute. Elladan was amused by Calentauriel's seemingly youthful exuberance, knowing full well that she was far older than he.
'You have come all this way to return these horses to their home in Rohan?' Elrohir asked.
'We have,' Eregiel answered. 'As my sister Thibinoriel is fond of saying, doing the right thing is not always convenient.'
'Indeed,' Elrohir implied.
The Grey Company, of which Eregiel, Calentauriel, Elladan and Elrohir were now part, soon came down out of the High Moors of the Trollshaws into Eregion. They fed and watered their horses where they may, taking care to not overtax them so early in their journey.
~Eregion~
~End of Part One~
