With each step towards Imladris it seems my heart grows heavier.
I miss the Sea!
How do they live so far from the ocean’s edge, these edhil of the unmoving woodlands and the hidden vale? How do they live without breathing the fresh salt air of freedom?
I do not yet comprehend.
But this eve we camped by the river Bruinen, and my tendency to melancholy was assuaged to some degree by both the swift flowing waters, and the joining of our company by one ellon, who named himself Cirdamir.
I have not known any from Imladris that well, save those few who live at the Havens awaiting ship or others of their kin to arrive to make that last and final journey into the West. They have spoken at times of the lands they have left, but more often are their thoughts and words focused on what lies ahead. They have made their choice, those who dwell in Mithlond or the nearby ports. Their time in Ennor is drawing to a close. But though this Cirdamir felt the sea call, he spoke differently.
Not to me as such did he speak. Yet I could not help but overhear some of his converse with our Hirgonui and with others of the Mithdirith that I wondered much at a son of the coast who had yet dwelt long in the lands of the east. He spoke of Imladris, aye..and of Lothlorien…..and of times past that he shared experience of with several of my herth. Softly did he hum the tune and utter the words of the ‘Flower-of-the-Havens’ that all knew it was a memory of watching them, not merely a song learnt, as it was for me. He had been part of the host of the great king Gil-Galad, it transpired – a figure I knew of from my studies with much regard.
At times like these do I wish I were older by far and had vision clear of those days when the strength of my folk was at its height, yet I am old enough to realise those days were ones of great suffering as well as of friendship and heroics. Those who took part in the struggle against Sauron suffered much, that the returning light was dimmed, but never extinguished.
Such light still shines from the hearts of many of the reconvened Loth-I-Lonnath, I perceive. The darkness will not prevail while they live!
Yet I am not one from those times. I do wonder if the light will shine in me to any degree when my time of testing arrives.
We have also had the company of a travelling elleth, Irestel from east of the Misty Mountains, these last days. Most competent does she seem, and cheerful of manner that all have taken to her company readily. We spoke a little at the camp by the river, she and I, and danced to the song of Durthand’s harp. Always does music and song lift the spirits of we Falathrim, of we Lindar, and of others too it appears.
There was joy for many in the camp this eve…..but ohh…how I miss the Sea!
