I roamed trough gorges until time stopped to exist, as unrelenting force of justice and self grievance. My shield is splintered and spearhead is dulled with each thrust in guts of the goblins and orcs. I am tired, very tired.
Resting now under the hollow tree, by the great Langflood, i see myself as carpace of what I was before. And I am content, nothing of little worth shall stay with me to my timely end.
Deep, swirling, strong waters of Langflood reflected the grey clouds and all was grey, covered in mist. I take a breath, then again, slowly waking up, struggling to sit up straight while pushing myself with shaft of the spear. But whilst struggling to stand up, a sudden lightness of being has hit me, and something heavy as firmest iron and gentle as softest feather pushes me down to sit again.
- "Rest, Rocchirwen." a wind of spring whispered to my ear. I turned around to see a creature of fables, as nothing can be so beautiful in this world as eyes of an aelf. Whole world sundered in my guts, and fear I had was shattered with breeze of the words Aelf said.
- I spoke rarely tongue of Rochir, so forgive me, fear me not. -
I have never heard such serene perfection of my tongue, not even Skalds could sing words like this Aelf did few words. Many questions passed trough me as noticing how tall this one is, lithe and of very gentle appearance that many women of Rohan would bow their heads to. Golden tresses were long and glistening in perfection and skin was not marred with age or scars, Lips were smiling and eyes were kind, though it seemed that bow and quiver was not only for show.
Aelf quickly smiled and whispered.
- We rarely show, but I have been following you since you came under canopy of Hwitholt glade. You seem on the end of your strength, Rochirwen. - he takes out a small flask from his belt, the glass bottle was of finest work, intricately golden and green. - Drink this, please -
With great hesitation i took the offered bottle, least to say I was tired, exhausted, and sip it took was silken and sweet, not like mead, but as nectar of flowers. In moment her guts and heart warmed up and I could feel warmth in my limbs and cheeks. I had to blink few times and all world seemed colorful for a moment.
Aelf giggled and I fell in love in that sound of mirth. Had to lean my head on the tree again but with tired smile on my face, watching the creature of legends laughing on me.
It took the bottle back as saying.
- And truly it is not just a tale, your folk can drink well. - Aelf shakes the bottle now nearly empty. - Only a sip can warm us and give us strenght for a few days, you.. drank more then half. - then looks with worry - Do you feel well? -
I felt too well, no mead was so light and hard in same moment like this sweet nectar i recived from the Aelf. It was difficult to talk even and not to smile and laugh in the same.
I laughed.
Then again, unable to hide the happiness, that came from the drink. Or myself.
Aelf looked at me with serious worried gaze for long time saying nothing, just listening me..
I talked about my cousin who stole my wooden sword, about how I was in love with rider and chose life in eored instead accepted his proposal, how tired I am, how I felt betrayed by Aldor and thanes, how meaningless life it is now.
- I have no my own family, as i gave my days and years for the Mark. And now those who inspired me, turned their back to me.. - I sighed - I see no life but to bring death. -
Aelf listened me, nodding slowly, then it placed hand on my own, smiling. Then he started to sing trough low whisper, but the song was all to me. I didnt understand a thing of a word but i could see it. It was his personal life.
Lands were dark,
In times before ours,
A great creatures of shadow and flame appeared,
And there was an army of many aelfs and men,
And there was She (yes I realized it was a female aelf after all)
Looking to the Aelf to her side,
Smiling, and with brush of hand onto hand they charged into a great battle,
Then red bloody darkness,
And stars filled the sky.
She was alone,
In golden light of trees.
---
I awoke and there was sun so bright warming me and there was a fine grey cloak covering me. There was no Aelf-woman, and all appeared as a dream.
But it wasn't, as my hand felt the fine fabric of the cloak, I knew it was true.
On the banks of the Langflood, under the Hwitholt, I met an Aelf.
No one will belive me.
