The Invitation

Elbereth Elentari paused in her writing, a bright smile lighting her face as Galdor of the Trees appeared before her.

'Alla, melda Heri (Hail, beloved Lady), you have need of me?', he questioned expectantly.

Elbereth motioned towards a group of rolled scrolls, shimmering with her magical seal, an elven blessing, in the middle of the table, 'Alatulya, thalionen (Welcome, my champion), your presence is always a joy!'

Galdor felt his heart grow warm and bowed his head slightly, not trusting his voice to reply.

A Unifying Message

The Maia smiled again and rose from her chair, rolling the last parchment to a scroll and gliding her hand along the roll, sealing it instantaneously. She gathered the three scrolls and handed them gently to Galdor.

'I desire you to undertake a journey to our neighbouring regions. You must make haste and if possible return to Lothloriel before the next full moon.' Elbereth lay her hand on his arm, her eyes seeking his, brevity in her tone, 'I bid you go seek the ArchDruid Fitheach in Tailbreamh. The magical wards that surround the Land shall not restrain your entry,' she gestured to the topmost scroll, 'deliver this scroll to her. Then ask the ArchDruidess to guide you to the human forester Can, he is never far from her side. This second message is for him.'

Elbereth Reaches Out

She paused and her eyes sped over the tree tops and hills in the direction where Tailbreamh lay shrouded in mist. Elbereth continued in a satisfied voice, 'Lastly, there are now Dwarves residing in those lands. Perhaps Can will be able to direct you to them. I want them to receive the third scroll.'

Galdor nodded and as she removed her hand, he placed the scrolls carefully in his backpack. When he returned his gaze to hers, he felt his curiosity get the better of him...

'My Lady, I shall gladly do your bidding and leave at once for Tailbreamh, returning only when I have delivered each message to its rightful owner,' his eyes fell on the remaining scroll on the table, 'but who is the recipient of the final scroll?'

Elbereth gathered up the roll to display the name on it to Galdor. 'This missive is destined for the healing hands of ArchDruidess Fiesty... she resides in the Shire. I have requested that Landroval, our mighty Eagle friend, should deliver it across the waves to where the Hobbits live.'

Galdor smiled inwardly. Without the extra journey to the Shire, he planned in all speed to return to Lothloriel in half the expected time.

As Elbereth wished him safe path, he turned to leave, his voice quiet and serious as he thanked her for the blessing, 'Le hannon, Shining Star. I shall complete my errand and return forthwith. Each day apart from your warmth and grace is a lost one for me!'

Galdor Heads for Taibreamh

'Mára mesta, Ben Eru (Good journey, may Eru protect you),' Elbereth's expression became tender as she watched him depart, before turning to go seek the mighty Eagles in their eyrie.