Many weeks after The Mead Company's venture to the Misty Mountains a new errand had come upon two of their members, Alfknutr, the Elf-Knot and Redwick, son of Ceobrand. These two men are the best of friends, the kind difficult to separate over many many leagues. What their errand was shall not be said, however they had ventured far to the Valley of the Elves, and there they were successful... to a point. The errand was not yet fully complete. Redwick had gotten a gift for the one he loved and was content, yet he yearned to see her and it was certain that his companion and friend had noticed his yearning and the two of them spoke long concerning whither to go next and what they shall do. But they both knew that the time was nigh when they were to be separated for a time. This was not ought easy for Redwick to bear, for the Elf-Knot was his best friend and at times he felt that he was the only one that Redwick could truly trust.
Their decision was made and they both knew that it was best for them to part ways after they had left the Elf-Valley. And yet Redwick woke up as refreshed as he has ever felt in Rivendell, but the burden and the thought still lingered with him for a time. A few of the elves he met with that day, some familiar, some he was yet to meet. Among those was one he considered a true friend, Arnostale, whether he was an elf mattered not to Redwick, for he had put aside the stubborn beliefs of folk who learnt their perception of the elves from tales they had heard. Indeed there was a time when Redwick himself was both wary and fearful of the elves but the time passed swiftly and he has no plight with any who would deem him an ælfwine. Arnostale showed to the Elf-Knot and Redwick the true hospitality and splendor of the Eldar, and yet he seemed as if naught could ever dismay or anger him. Ever he showed his kindness to them and ever he would give his aid when he could. Redwick had also found yet another elf whom he was acquainted with, Tarnaire who he knew as the Moon-maiden, with her spouse she would dance gracefully beneath the light of the moon and stars, and Redwick was astonished by their dancing, for he had never often stopped to watch folks dance and when he did he never enjoyed it, but the elves danced unalike to any dance he had seen before- but that night was soon to pass and upon sunrise it was time for Redwick to leave. It was decided that he would walk together with Alfknutr till their paths changed ways.
In the morning they greeted and spoke with the elves, Arnostale had given rations, however the only one who took a hold of them was Alfknutr. Yet Redwick did not wish for any and said naught of his share to any one, he knew that his friend's journey would be long and that he would need it more than himself. To Redwick the Moon-Maiden lent her steed, for he wished to return to the woman he loved as soon as he could. But for such a boon Redwick would pay much and swore to her that he shall come if ever she desired his aid. The beautiful white steed went by the name of Qumah and for a while Redwick was afraid, for it had been a very long time since he held the reins of a steed, yet he was also glad to be let to ride once again even if it would not go further than the Last Bridge, for that is when he would send the steed back to her true rider.
The men bid Arnostale a fond farewell ere they began to walk the paths to the gates of the valley, but the Moon-maiden led them thither and that is whither she too bid them farewell. From there Redwick and Alfknutr walked and spoke as they always did, but Redwick's steps were heavy with burden as he knew not how soon he would be parted from his dear friend whom he loved. Of many things they spoke, their intentions of whither their paths will take them, their homelands from whence they born and when they shall ever meet again. Alfknutr often reminded Redwick to pass his words to Vallen, it seemed certain to Redwick that his friend thought he would forget, however he only found it amusing and they went on. At length they reached the Ford of Bruinen and upon a mound between the flow of the stream the Elf-Knot suddenly halted. Redwick held fast the reins of the steed and knowingly asked: 'How much further till we part ways?' Within his voice lied his sorrow and the Elf-Knot looked upon him, with a sad smile upon his lips, saying: 'This is our parting, Robin.' Then Redwick had the same sad smile upon his lips and shut his eyes for a while, wishing that this moment would not yet have come, and he said to his friend: 'Since we have met, never have we been so for apart.' Then the Elf-Knot grasped Redwick's shoulder in a firm grasp and said to him: 'Let us not draw this out, for it shall be all the more bittersweet. This is not goodbye nor farewell. This is: Until next time. Remember my words for Vallen, that is all I ask.' Then Redwick looked to his friends eyes and within his own he was both sad and gladdened, for this words struck his confidence yet the sorrow of their departure remained, he grasped his friend's wrist and said to him: 'So be it then... Until next time, my friend. Bring yourself back in a single piece, I do not doubt your wandering skills, but whither you go could be dangerous and this time you shall have no companions at your side.' And then the Elf-Knot spoke his final words to the Red-Robin: 'Béma willing I shall return, and the Elf-Knot shall not yet be undone. Now go! Fly Robin. Fly to your woman and mine; fly back to the roost of our company!' And with that, no hesitation nor fear had Redwick to climb into the saddle of the steed and as he took the reins firmly in his hand he spoke in assurance to his friend: 'I will look for your arrival.' Then the Red-robin spurred upon the steed and he was off, making his way deep within the Trollshaws and for a while the burden of their departure was gone for he was glad he was riding a steed and far through the Trollshaws his mirthful laughter can be heard as he rode.
Redwick halted not till he came nigh the last bridge and there he sat upon the saddle of his steed and looked down the path from whence he came and said with a single tear flowing down his face and a bitter smile upon his lips:
"Until next time, my dear friend."
OOC Disclaimer: I do not own to claim the song used in this story, all credit goes to the real owners. The song is the theme at the Grey Havens on Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
