The Guest House in Rivendell
Light breezes travel through Imladris, the sky filled with stars and a full moon directly overhead. Faorie walks up the steps towards the Guest House and knocks at the door. Waiting for a response, she looks about the area patiently... no response.
She knocks once more. “Hiril Forostel?”
After another moment in silence she opens the door and allows herself entry.
Faorie standing in the dark Guest House
The room is dark, besides the moon light beaming through the window onto the floor. All wicks have been left unlit. Though the archway to the extended room shows sign of flicker. Faorie follows the light to find Forostel sitting by the table holding all her and Ebbephant's medical supplies. She has her hand to her forehead, looking down to the letter left there earlier that day.
“Forostel,” Faorie speaks gently, “I had intended on checking for you in the morning, but I thought it better to see you sooner if allowed.”
Forostel does not respond. She simply continues to stare at the letter noting Ebbephant's whereabouts.
It is presumed that Forostel is in no mood to speak of Ebbephant or the journey tomorrow. Quietly, Faorie bows her head and turns to leave.
“Faorie,” Forostel voices rather loudly.
She stops. Slowly, Faorie turns back around to face Forostel whose expression of grief and anger leaves her unsure if her decision to not wait until morning was wise.
Forostel stares hard at her, picking up the letter and waving it a bit as she speaks. “Ebbephant has lost an arm.”
“His right arm... yes.” Though honest, it pains Faorie to speak of such a horrible event so plainly.
“And he is in the Golden Woods?”
“In Caras Galadhon, no doubt in your old house.”
Forostel bites her lip and turns her face back to the table, placing the letter back down with her palm over it. “He makes such foolish decisions, that muindor of mine.”
“He did not choose to encounter an injury like this.”
“Oh but did he not?” Forostel stands suddenly.
Faorie remains still, watching her.
“When first joining your family at arms did you not take an oath?”
“Yes. We all did.”
Forostel begins to walk towards Faorie as she speaks. Her tone grows harsher. “By taking this oath, do you not all risk your very lives?”
“For the protection of Imladris, its inhabitants, as well as the regions stretching far from its borders.”
“Ah, so you do. And what of your kin?”
Faorie listens.
“What if one of your kin is endanger? If Ebbephant is to perish will you simply state that it is a risk individual members choose to take?”
Faorie furrows her brow. “Forostel –”
“Faorie, I do not understand.” She turns away and sits back down, holding her hand to her forehead again. Her tone relaxes into one of great concern. “How is it that he can risk his very life that way? I do not wish to lose him as I already have with...”
The room silences completely.
Faorie takes several steps forward until she stands before Forostel. She then places her hand over Forostel's shoulder. Whether or not she would allow Faorie to do such a thing was uncertain, but it seems like no bother was caused by it. “Forostel, I understand your concern. We care deeply for our own, but there are times when we must face the darkest borders of Arda and escape victorious... or perhaps, if fate demands it, not escape at all.”
Forostel's arm tightens.
“Ebbephant escaped. He is in Lothlorien and I with the company of Nelnardis am planning to travel there as soon as tomorrow. I am aware of your distaste for the Warband's company, you have made that abundantly clear.” Faorie pauses for a moment to exhale deeply, then continues. “But I must ask you to please understand that there is plenty occurring at this very moment that requires our attention, as well as yours. This includes Ebbephant's safe return to Imladris.”
Forostel moves strands of hair from her face as she looks up.
“Will you join us tomorrow for our departure?” Faorie removes her hand from Forostel's shoulder.
After an uncomfortably long moment of silence Forostel nods. “Yes... I will join you both on your journey.”
Faorie nods once in return. “Very well. Be prepared by tomorrow morning. We will come for you, so be sure you have everything you need.”
Another uncomfortable moment of silence followed, so Faorie understood it as an appropriate time to leave. As she passed the archway and reached for the door, Forostel calls her name from the extended room, causing her to halt. She waits, but nothing else is heard. Exiting the guest house, another breeze rushes by as she turns to gently close the door.
She stands by the steps leading onto the marked path and looks up at the sky. A deep sigh escapes her and she closes her eyes briefly. "Remain safe, Ebbephant," she thinks to herself.
