The sun slowly came up and the Vale of Imladris started lighting up. After his meeting with Faorie, Thendryt had walked Bovad over the bridge and around the settlement.
They stopped on a height that overlooked the entire Vale. A gentle breeze lifted his cloak slightly from the ground.
There was a slight mist forming around the Elven architecture, and around the rivers around it. Thendryt realized that the scenery was something that his own kind would write poems and sing songs about.
Bovad rested his head on Thendryt’s shoulder, and together they gazed out upon the scenery. Thendryt put his hand on the horse’s muzzle and closed his eyes. After a moment, Thendryt turned around and laid his head on Bovad’s forehead. He embraced the horse and stroke its neck.
“It’s time.” Thendryt whispered to the horse as he lifted his head. “Come on.”
Thendryt stroked Bovad’s forehead one last time before heading back down.
“Good morning, Thendryt.” Thendryt continued to check Bovad’s armour and equipment without greeting the Elf behind him “Are you headed back to the Coldfells then?
“Aye, I’m leaving momentarily.” Thendryt said as he tightened a strap.
Lilleduil walked up to the large horse and started to gently pat him. Thendryt didn’t mind, Bovad seemed to like Lill.
“Want some company, at least part of the way?” She asked, throwing him a glance. Thendryt looked up at her.
“I don’t mind.”
The two made their way out of the Vale a short while after. As they reached the Gates of Imladris, Thendryt threw a last glance back at the Vale. The sun made the buildings look radiant, as they glowed in the morning light. He took in the sight a moment, before urging Bovad forward.
“You have business in the Trollshaws?” Thendryt asked, as Bovad reached down to drink from the Bruinen.
“I thought I might stop by and say hello to Elrohir.” Lilleduil replied, bringing her steed up beside Bovad.
“I see. Thorenhad, no?”
Lilleduil nodded.
“Have to admit, I'm not very close with Elrond or his house.” Though that wasn’t very odd, with him being a Man in Imladris. “I think I've seen the twins, once or twice. Arwen I've spotted a few times as well.”
“Lord Elrohir was a good friend of my father's.” Lilleduil said. “And he has always taken an interest in my career.”
“I see.”
Braigsul started pawing the water.
“You are NOT rolling with me on you!” Lilleduil snapped, and slapped her horse gently. The grumpy response from the horse almost made Thendryt chuckle. “He’s such a brat at times.”
“He’s got character, I’ll give you that.” Lilleduil grinned at his comment.
“I was so grateful Lord Elrohir gave him to me. Now I think there might have been a sinister purpose behind it all.” Lilleduil said, as Thendryt cleaved an apple.
“You might not be entirely wrong about that.” Thendryt replied, offering half of the apple to Braigsul.
“He SAID it was because Braigsul was too small for him.” Lilleduil continued. She watched Braigsul crunch on the apple. “Thank you, Thendryt.”
Thendryt offered the other half of the apple to Bovad, who accepted it but didn’t seem overly happy about just getting half.
“Don’t be greedy.” Thendryt said, as Bovad started demonstrating, and smacked his mane gently.
“Braig isn't the only one with personality.” Lilleduil said and chuckled. Thendryt and Bovad both looked at her and snorted in unison.
“I’ll accompany you to Thorenhad.” Thendryt said, and Bovad started walking through the water.
They arrived at Thorenhad early afternoon. Thendryt brought Bovad to a halt at the start of the trail.
“How long do you think you'll be staying in the Coldfells this time?” Lilleduil asked, looking back at him.
“I'm not sure.” Thendryt said. “Depends on how the situation is.”
“If you need help, we’ll come.” Lill replied, looking slightly concerned.
“If it’s really bad, I’ll send word.”
“I can go further with you and visit on the way back, if you like, Thendryt.”
“I can't promise I'll be in Glân Vraig.” Thendryt said. “You're welcome to come up, but I am most likely in the 'Fells itself.”
“I rather assumed you'd be all over the place.”
“Aye, I tend to move about.”
“Well, safe travels, and kick some arse when you get there.”
“Count on it.” Thendryt said and turned Bovad around.
Lilleduil grinned and waved him goodbye.
Weakness.
Thendryt and Bovad stood still, staring at the trail ahead of them. The road to Glân Vraig.
As time passed, dusk started to creep over the forest. Neither Man nor Horse moved.
The memory of Imladris, drenched in light and warmth, flashed before Thendryt’s eyes.
Thendryt pat Bovad and together they turned around and traveled southwards.
Towards the darkness.
Towards the prison.
Towards Delossad.
No more weakness.
