We were to be travelling home in the next few days, escorting Galdor’s artefacts and whoever would travel with us to the Havens. We were to return to Thamas Lorn in open view, even as we had ridden here – to bring hope to any free-folk who saw us; to bring fear of our spears and javelins to any lurking enemy. But now it seems the plans are changed….
I know not what to make of this recent news. It seems likely that trouble most serious is at hand - that the Herth will needs make haste right soon. Our horses are prepared to travel at a moments notice; our armour and weapons repaired; our rations and medical supplies packed. And here was I beginning to feel comfortable in Imladris!
Though I had felt heavy in spirit at being so long – and so far- from the shores of the Great Sea, yet had the Hidden Vale been something of a surprise to me. Warm was the welcome we received upon reaching the Last Homely House, with familiar faces, as well as new, waiting to greet us. Istuir, who had ridden ahead of us from the ford, stood to the fore, his face bright with joy. Then there was the Noldo, Saerdir, whom I had not seen for very many moons. Galvathalion, resplendent in fine robes, had been amongst that group, and he hailed Curugirion from a distance calling: “ Well met indeed!” (He has a young bird in keeping for me. One he rescued in the egg from attackers that slew its mother. I have not forgotten, though this is not the time to enquire after such.) Others of that assembly I knew not, though hoped to remedy that in time. I would gladly honour those who honoured our arrival.
But it was not just the greeting that altered my mind-mood. There was water in Imladris – lots of water! The following day it was that I made close acquaintance with the river that flows so swiftly through the vale. I had not meant to slip of course, but the unexpected swim was most refreshing. Alas, that the ladies of this place will think me lacking in grace. But I am a daughter of the Falathrim – I am nigh as much at home in the water as a fish. The thundering falls also drew my eyes from the start, that later on the third day I made plan to sit by them, under them….to breath the air about them and feel the spray of water upon me almost as if I stood aboard ship. It was not the coastlands of Lindon to be certain, but it was enjoyable all the same.
And Aearandir had said we might visit Imlad Gelair – that he would see the expression on my face when first I beheld it! ‘A dream within a dream’ had Cirdamir called that place. (Cirdamir it was who we had first encountered on the road near the ford.) My heart had been high at the prospect of walking amidst such beauty as those who knew the place spoke of. To walk in a dream - ah, was that not a fine thing to hold in one’s memory! But now, as things stand ….mayhap I will never see it?
Yester-eve did we make merry in the Hall of Fire – just a little. Lightness of heart is a weapon most potent against any gathering storm. Yet were not all a touch overshadowed by thoughts of what might truly lie ahead for ourselves and others. Durthand and I danced to the music of Aearandir’s harp, but she was restless then even as she had seemed somewhat preoccupied since our arrival.
In truth I am also a touch pre-occupied, and that with thoughts of travelling home. Well must I consider my choices in the coming days, though of surety will I ride with my Herth into whatever they face. I have spoken not to Curugirion, but I bear knowledge from my visit to my parents in Mithlond that they will themselves finally take ship – and that on the highest tide of next Ethuil. So shall it be that I alone will remain of my close family upon these shores…or go with them? That is their wish, I know beyond doubt. But they are not insensitive to the bond that would hold me here. Home - for my parents, as for many in these times, it will be that place in the Uttermost West that calls them – and for me… ah …
