Long where the days passed where I could call one location home. The smell of Troll still lingers at the back of my mind. Dol Amroth, a distant memory in my mind. My parents’ unmarked graves outside the old family home... I am truly alone in this world.
I finally arrived at the settlement of Ost Guruth. Where better for one alone than a place they call the “Lone Lands”. But it was not that bad, not at first. I was able to witness the old tower of Amon Sûl with my own two eyes. A true sight to behold. The game was also fine for the hunt. I made quite a bit of coin selling my wares of skins and pelts to the local craftsmen and traders. Knowing the land, I was often hired to scout out the path for many a Company, wishing to travel through the Trollshaws or even to the village of Bree.
I had made a name for myself amongst a few of the locals. The “Lone Huntsman” some would call me, a name I did not favour. No man need be alone in this world. I was in the Inn when by chance, a Company of Elves walked in. The local patrons looked on in shock and awe, as the leaders of the Company, going by the names of Elladan and Elrohir approached the Innkeeper. At first glance I thought the ale had the better of me and I was seeing double. They were clearly brothers... twins maybe. They sought out shelter for the night and where looking for a guide back to Imladris, Rivendell better known to most beyond its border.
What would Elves need with a guide? They did seem to have much to carry, maybe they only wanted the extra hands. No one in the Inn seemed unwilling to help the Elves. That is when the finger was pointed to me. Patrons laughed, mocking me for being the “Lone Huntsman”. I remained silent, though a look from the brothers in my direction caught my eye. I listened to what they wanted, an errand boy to carry the extra weight. I knew it. They began to speak amongst themselves in Sindarin. My mother was in the process of teaching me the Elven Tongue before... I could not understand much of what was said, but that of “Dúnedain” and there father where what I picked up.
They knew of my kin, that I was of Dúnedain decent? I did not question this, playing blind to knowing that they spoke of such. The coin offered was enough for me to final buy a home. Once details where discussed we all retired for the night. I awoke early the next morning. One little hunt, to gain a little coin before leaving. I walked through the usual back alleys of the settlement, not drawing attention to myself. It was that day, I would here a faint scream.
I turned the corner to find a group of men surround a young woman. I had seen her before, she worked at the Inn. Clearly these men were not after drink this day, covering the woman’s mouth and ripping at her dress. One saw me stand there. “Oh look, it’s the lone mute... Run along boy! Your knife-eared friends are waiting.” That man drew one more breath before receiving an arrow through his neck. I drew my Father’s Sword and fought with the men, showing no mercy. No man should ever try and take a woman in such manner, especially a group of men. The deed was done... I saved the woman...
She seemed very thankful but hesitant to linger. She ran off out the alley, straight into one of the guard on patrol. He then saw me stand over the bodies. I looked down at them and noticed something I did not see before. One man wore the uniform of the Guard beneath his cloak. I ran... I ran as fast as I could and hid as the alarm was raised. I watched as they closed the gate, the Company of Elves on the other side. I missed my opportunity to finally live a peaceful life.
I pulled up the hood of my Mother’s Cloak and wrapped the cowl around my face. I remained in the shadows for a few hours, before opportunity presented itself to flee the settlement. A Watch Tower lay empty on the Eastern Wall. I managed to reach the top before finally being noticed. There was only one way to go... I jumped from the Watch Tower, landing in a haystack which had just been gathered. I could feel a sharp pain in my right arm. I got to my feet and staggered to the stable, stealing a horse and riding as hard as I could towards the Trollshaws.
I do not remember how I got there. I passed out from the pain from my arm on my way. I awoke lying on my back, in a cart. It was then I saw Elrohir bandage my arm. The bone had been broken, breaking through the skin. How they found me I do not know, but they took me with them to Imladris. When we arrived, I was rushed to the Last Homely House, where my arm was put in a splint. Elladan and Elrohir spoke with an older Elf, who continued to look in my direction. It was at that moment I met Lord Elrond. He knew me by name, claiming to know my parents and being witness to my birth. I was... confused. Why did my Mother or Father never speak of such?
It had been two days that I lay unconscious seemingly. But rumour grew to the East of a “Grey Warden” sacrificing himself for the safety of the innocent. Lord Elrond sent his sons to find me, as the description given to them was that of the once “Lone Huntsman”. Lord Elrond summoned a meeting between those of his order, allowing me to be present. He wished to allow me to stay in Imladris, within the Last Homely House. You could cut the tension with a knife, as the other Elves disproved of an outsider being offered such a privilege. In the end they all came to agreement. If I was to stay, I was to be as a servant. To learn a trade in carpentry and complete learning Sindarin. I was greatful for this opportunity. This would proceed to be home for the foreseeable future.
