The first steps in the grassy fields of Evendim lit the party up with relief. The darkness of the haunted North Down lands are behind them. But yet for one of the party, a new weight sets in, a weight of reality of loss. But she pressed through, going forward to be the main figure of the party. And the party eventually made it to Ost Forod.
When she left Ost Forod, it was deserted. A few dunedain were left, local militia were the main occupants, but even together there was little. Now the town is filled with soldiery from the advanced guard sent by Gondor. The black and white of Gondor is seen everywhere in the town. Gondorian road-managers are looking over papers and plans as militia members are trained by Gondorian sergeants. It’s clear that the reestablishing of the Kingdom of Arnor is well on its way.
After the party sets off to relax in the makeshift tavern further in the city, Ivy looks around. A small brimming of hope in her, seeing so many Gondorians, then maybe he would’ve come back too. She slides a hand over the necklace she wears, a small locket attached to it. She quickly just makes sure Systra and her cart is secure before she will search. But she didn’t have to wait long.
Eventually a man walked in, somewhat hesitatingly. As Ivy turned and looked at the man, she noticed a tall figure wearing Gondorian colours. But it was not him. “Are you Mrs Lyffland?” Ivy heard it, and immediately knew what was coming, a small shake in her arms as she held the stables lock where Systra is housed. “.. Yes.. Ivy Lyffland” she answers. The man nods, and without saying any other word, he holds out his hand and shows in it, a silvery necklace with a locket on it. It was his necklace. “A proud ranger wanted me to give this to you, he said you’d understand.”
Frozen, Ivy stood there, staring at the locket. She dreaded this, oh did she dread this. But still she was unprepared for when the news came. All voices and sounds become muffled around her as the reality slowly sets in. The reality of loss. She held up her hand weakly, letting the man give her the necklace before saying something and then leaving. But she never heard what he said.
After a small time, she moved away from the stable, in a trance, eyes wide. She found herself outside of the town, looking over green grass.. Or was it grey… she doesn't know. She finds a flower here and there. The only things she still can see, as the colours stick out from the watery grass. Brokenly she collects flower by flower, before she moves towards the lake. There at the lake, she finds it, a small cottage, overgrown and empty. She moves to the side, a small iron fence surrounding a small garden. It was planned for a herb garden, or maybe a vegetable garden. It was planned… to be something she could do, well she cared for the children and while he was out being the ranger. But now the garden was overgrown.
Blindingly she pulls weed after weed out of the ground, until she reveals a stone, a small stone, and a plaque on it. Then with a shaking hand and teary eyes, she pulls any moss away from the stone, making the words on it clearer. “Here lies Leanna, beloved daughter, taken too soon. 3017” Ivy plants the flowers she picked around the grave, watering them with her own tears. Afterwards she sits down against the cottage wall and close to the grave. A sob from her lips. “Mama? Why are you crying” she hears. Shaking her head. “Papa is gone..” She replies. “Gone? But he will come back right?” the voice asks. “I.. don’t think so sweetie…” she replies. “He.. has fallen..”. “But there is no body, maybe…” Ivy just starts to sob again, not able to react. “I love you mama, please don’t be sad.”. “I love you too, sweetie.” She looks to her left to see the tombstone there. There was no one. Of Course the voices were in her head.
After a few hours of sitting in the spot near her old house. She shakes her head, her stomach rumbles. “Mama has to go eat, sweetie. I .. hope to see you later again..” She dries most of her tears before heading off to Ost Forod, raising her hood, she doesn't want people to stare at her sorrowful face. Leaving the old cottage full of memories behind her.
