I'll sit back no more she thought as she put pen to paper, this has gone on for long enough. I'll not sit idle and watch my kinsmen, my mentor, ride into battle without me. All those years I have spent under the guiding hand of Amlarad for what? To sit and sew, to cook? I shall do that well enough when I am married. My sword is sworn to protect, my star earnt. No my lords of Annuminas I shall not sit and wait, of what right do you have to keep me? I may wear my uncle's cloak but if that holds me to you then it can easily be returned, I know it is an honour to have that I do not deny but to have the cloak and not the duty it entails?
She looked down on the letter she had written and noted there were perhaps too many inksplodges and the paper had torn where she had written too harshly. Sighing she screwed it back up and started again.
Dear Captain Tarmegil,
I write to inform you I have safetly reached Melunien saftely and found some members of my brethren here, including my mentor. I am told they are to ride in force tonight and was requested to join them but as instructed I declined and showed that I bare no weapons. Instead I have occupied my time here amongs the healers carrying for the wounded of which there are many.
I request that this shall be the last time I shall stand and watch as others go before me to fight where my blade and bow should also be amongst them. I understand your vow to my uncle in keeping me safe but I shall not bend to such if it means I am to be kept as a steward. You may keep my sword and bow if you so wish, I will obtain another from Esteldin when I go to confer with Halbarad.
I thankyou for the loyalty you have shown my uncle whom I hardly knew and I shall endeavour to stay safe according to his wishes. But know this, I shall never again refuse Amlarad my blade when it is asked for, to him my loyalty is bound above all but one.
*signed*
Filrean Gwathir
She sealed the letter and sent it off with the next rider to leave the camp, for now all she could do was to sit and wait. Each passing day more of those who had come to that elven sanctuary had left to return to their homes and former lives. Perhaps when she leaves it will be to return to a life she once knew, that of roaming free amongst the trees and hills and keeping a watch on the freefolk until such time as she be called upon for a greater task.
