Menelya, the 41st day of Yávië
Today Lord Anglachelm convened a council of Vanimar, where he informed us that the House was to prepare for war in the East, riding to the aid of the Galadhrim in their assault upon Dol Guldur. Not all who were assembled there seemed at ease with his decision, and I also was surprised that he should think of sending our house into peril again, when so many had just returned from Angmar. Nevertheless, I held my peace, and volunteered to assist Lord Laurelindo with the preparation of provisions for the healers. He is a kind lord, and quite a skilled musician as well.
Then Nuldafairë was called forth, and Lord Anglachelm made him captain of the Order of the Arrow, charging him with scouting a suitable path over the Hithaeglir for the company. I felt a swell of pride at seeing him promoted to such a place of honour. He will be a worthy captain, and I know the Arrows will rally once more under his leadership. All the same, it was a sobering reminder that war was upon us, and the times of peace are over.
I left the meeting early, and returned to my study. Often my thoughts strayed to Nuldafairë, thoughts both sweet and bitter. Was I to lose so soon what joy I had just found? He is a warrior, and will always follow the call of his House into battle. I am a scholar, untrained in the arts of war, and unfit to follow him abroad. So ever I must wait, and watch, and hope, if my heart is to be given to him. It is a hard fate, but I choose it willingly. I shall not be the first, nor the last, to have done so, for the Noldor are no strangers to war.
But it may be that I am being over-dramatic, for Lord Anglachelm intends for us to make thorough preparations for the planned campaign. There is much to be done before the forces of Vanimar march eastwards. They will not leave until all is made ready. I will do what I can to aid their going, though my heart is pained at the thought of war. And busy hands and an occupied mind have little time to fret. Perhaps I shall seek out Nuldafairë and speak to him; that shall ease my mind and my heart.
