It was early morning when the three wanderers reached the edge of the forest.
The sun had not fully risen yet. Through the mists rising from the valleys and meadows, the horizon was bathed in its orange and golden light, looking splendid and new as the first day. They stopped where the road passed a long slope downwards, enraptured by the view of the plains spilling out to the north and east.
They had not been talking much since they rose, before dawn, for this last part of their journey. Now they stood and watched, in silence, until the sun had passed the horizon fully.
Then the woman cleared her throat, laying a hand on the upper arm of the grizzled man beside her softly.
"It is time."
He looked at her, then back to the vale, nodding slowly. "Yes."
The third one looked at them, turning around impatiently. "Oh, Ada. Don't make such a production out of it. I'm ready. You can come a bit further with me if you like, you know?"
The man shook his head, smiling at the young woman in leathers. "I don't think... that should be such a good idea."
The young woman looked at him curiously for a few moments, then turned to embrace them both.
"Ada... Emel..."
They hugged her back emotionally.
"Take good care, dear. I am proud of you."
"Thank you, mother. I will." She pressed her lips against the woman's cheeks.
Then she took a step back and looked at her father.
"Ada?"
He looked at her, then back to his wife. "Can I have a moment, dear?"
She smiled and pushed him forward. "Go on already."
He took the young woman a few steps to the side. She bit her lips, looking at him worriedly.
"A... are you going to ask me to reconsider?"
She swallowed hard, feeling angry at herself for the hard lump that inexplicably seemed to have formed in her throat now that the actual hour of parting was at hand. But she bit her tongue, determined not to let it show, and looked at him defiantly.
The man chuckled, running a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair, rubbing his right arm absentmindedly.
She looked at him, wondering if he was feeling the old wound again - his arm was still troubling him after all these years, especially when he was worried. "Ada?"
That seemed to wake him from his reverie. He smiled and put a hand on her shoulder.
"I have lived long enough with you and your mother to know that I don't have a say in this matter, dear."
She looked into his face again, seeking for a sign - any sign - of approval.
"Anyway, what else would you do? It's in your blood. It is only fitting."
She exhaled, relieved. "Y-you don't mind?"
"I could not stop you if I wanted to, dear." He smiled, squeezing her shoulder. "And you are going to make a formidable Ranger, just like your mother."
She smiled proudly. "I will make you proud, Ada."
"You already are. I am very proud of you, Idhrial. Always."
He embraced her again, and this time she didn't mind that she had to blink away tears.
"Let me look at you." He held her at arm's length.
"Yes. A fine young Ranger by all rights." He smiled, fumbling at his collar.
"One last thing..."
She looked at him.
"You will earn your own, in time. But for now, I want you to have this."
He pulled out a metal chain from under his clothes, bearing a silver star.
She gasped.
"May it bring you luck." He gently pulled the chain over her head, laying the star on her chest.
She looked at him in astonishment, her fingers touching it gently.
"It is not for showing off. Wear it under your clothes. Keep it hidden. Until you have earned your own."
She smiled. "Yes, Ada." Quickly stowing it under her leather vest, she fumbled for words to say.
"T-thank you, Ada."
He embraced her silently for one last time.
"Now go and make King Elessar proud."
The man and woman looked after her as she made her way down the road, nimbly carrying her large pack.
"So... it seems I have finally lost her."
The woman laughed and boxed him in the ribs playfully.
"And what better man to lose her to than King Elessar?"
She turned, leading him gently by the arm. "Come... they are waiting for us, at home."
