The Passing

The trees had been whispering the news and the waters carried it unto Lothloriel, where Elbereth gazed across the sea towards the rising mist. She sighed.

So, it had come to pass. The Shadow of Evil would not relent, thirsting yet for the very last of the Light still residing in these Lands.

Manwë's tidings were being carried across the hills and plains. All living creatures were being urged to seek out a new place to dwell, far from the oncoming smoke and stench issuing from the Shadow Lands.

The Elves were departing, although Elbereth doubted that all would board the westward bound ships.

Her thoughts drifted to the Elven Druidess in Tailbreamh. The ties that were woven into her being and connected her to all living things would make it nigh impossible for her to part these shores. The human named Can held her heart. She would wander until she found safer harbour and many would follow her.

Clouded Future

Elbereth's eyes pierced the milky fog and she watched the Hobbitfolk of the Shire stir and begin their journey across the mountains. Soon they too would be overwhelmed with good people fleeing towards them, wanting to join their exodus, trying to outrun the Darkness. They would help and protect as best their honest souls could, but they too would be compelled to leave their beloved meadows and hills behind ere the Shadows devoured them.

Elbereth wondered at the pace of these calamities. Not a twelvemonth had passed since the Valar had allowed the Elves of Calenhad to sail towards the West. The evil lurking among the crevices on the borders of the lands had been unusually reticent to approach further inland, yet Elbereth knew the forces of Darkness had not been idle.

There was war and strife among the Drow races to the South and a foreboding of greater evil seeped across those far regions, but there had been no real signs of such dangers here, so close to Lothloriel.

Lothloriel, the Fair

She turned as she became aware of Galdor's surefooted approach. He had returned then. Elbereth smiled as he came to a halt an arms length away.

"Mae tollen na mar, thalionen [Welcome home, my champion]. What news from the Elves of Mirkwood?" Her tone was light, accompanied by a sweet smile, yet the brevity of the situation was clear to them both.

The Ranger inclined his head reverently, his answering smile soon replaced with a frown as he begun to speak, "Glass nun le, hiril nin [It is my joy to see you, my Lady]. The Elven King sends his thanks for your counsel and guidance. The trees of Greenwood had already imparted news of the dire situation amongst our neighbours. He also gave me this message to convey to your hands and his certainty that he would meet with you again soon."

Galdor reached beneath his cloak to reveal a rolled parchment with Thranduil's seal upon it.

Elbereth nodded, her eyes glistening like the dew on a spring morning. She accepted the missive, her voice firm, yet sad... "The Elves of Mirkwood will not heed the warning and shall remain."

Mirkwood

Galdor nodded solemnly. "It is so, my Lady."

"So be it, my friend." Elbereth returned her gaze towards the sea.

Lothloriel shall open its enchantments to any Elves seeking refuge from Darkness who resist the urge to take the ships. Lothloriel will sustain, the Shadows hold no power here and perhaps this power may serve to protect the Woodland revier too.

Taking Galdor's hand, she made a sweeping gesture with her arm towards the sea. "Soon you will see the boats bringing refugees from Tailbreamh to us. We must prepare living quarters for those who choose to come."

Galdor nodded and gently removing his hand from hers, he turned to do her bidding.

Lothloriel

Elbereth stood upon the rocky outcrop, her attention swaying between the whispers of the trees and the secretive murmurs of the breeze. Her vision was clouded and there was no foresight of the near future forthcoming, only a vague disclosure of a glowing passage deep in the mountains towards which the Hobbit Druidess was being guided unawares. The part this mysterious threshold would play had not been revealed to her and she could only hope that the brave Druidesses would trust their instincts and escort their people to a safer haven.

The Guardian of Lothloriel drew a deep breath. Her path was always clear.

And although the journey of the folk of these parts was partly shrouded to her sight, she was certain that their loyalty and innate goodness would guide their steps towards safety and Light.