Rivendell

“So what will you do with him?”

I shrug, inadvertently jostling my hand so that Maltariel’s neat strapping falls loose. She gives me a reproachful look and reaches for the ends of the cloth, her deft hands tying it up again with quick, sure movements. Although it is only bruised, my wrist is stiff and sore still when I come to lift a sword, and she has decreed that it must be strapped, for now, until it is recovered. While she reties the cloth, I look up across the river, enjoying the peace for a moment.

The cold winds from the North ran through her raven black hair, leaving a chill in her heart. Her most beloved ones having sailed; now she was nearly all alone in her quest.

Rildheldiel took her fathers’ sword from the training ground. A cold tear touched and ran down her soft cheek. She would not have despair and fear take over her soul; now was the hardest test of all before her. To go on a journey all alone. Unless things would change until Spring blossoms in the Valley.

"Hmmmmmm..." Daerundros trailed off in thought as she examined the empty goblet in her hand, creasing her brows, "A good memory, no doubt." She laughed grimly and carelessly tossed the goblet into an overstuffed sack filled with objects collected over the years.

Aiya Laureälassë,

For a while, it seemed as if time moved very fast. The captain proved more amenable to Maltariel's request to leave than either of them had expected, even to the extent of dismissing her from her duties immediately. The following days rushed past in a flurry of packing, of hasty goodbyes and hurried preparations. Maltariel emptied out her house entirely, passing those possessions she couldn't pack among her friends. There was less than she had expected – somehow, what with all the years patrolling the borders and living in outposts, she had avoided really gathering much.

Tip. Tap. Tip. Tap
A breathless footfall on the cool marble. In the eerie silence, it resonated within the hall.
Creak.
The door opened wide and the Elf-maiden stared into the sunny sky.
Rustle.