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.
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.
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