Of late it seems that time has taken wing, that we who so recently returned to our beloved Thamas Lorn must again make plans to journey far from home.
This short season has been one of joy and renewal of strength for many of the Herth, I believe. We have all had time to ourselves, and time together to talk and sing and ride and …just be! I have risen before minuial on many a day to take slow walk down beside the Lhun, oft alone save for one or more of my bird friends, though sometimes with Aearandir or Durthand. Always does it seem I have much to ponder, and that special time of quiet communion with the Lady Uinen has been one of blessing profound.
The piles of writings left me by South Watch has steadily diminished, that there are only three more reports on Rath Teraig to file. But now have I also come across those stored writings from much further in the past. Curugirion mentioned them nigh a year ago - that they contained records of the first gathering of the ‘Loth-I-Lonnath’. Though they must wait for the most part upon my return, yet is my interest in them keen. I would maintain such records, re-record what is faint or worn, and speak with those at the Bar-en-Istedhellen to see if they have similar bodies of work amongst their collections. The final years of the Second Age are preserved in the faultless memories of those who lived through the Great War, though oft at the cost of much pain, but for those who remain of lesser years, there is benefit from greater understanding. So would I maintain records of past times.
Now even as this day progresses is there much movement in the vale below my tower. We are about to embark on a short voyage at sea, in part to test the sea-worthiness of a certain vessel. But also do I know our Hirgonui and Aearandir plan to reacquaint themselves, and other mariners amongst us, with their dearest beloved, and give opportunity for those who have not been further than the Gulf of Lhun to learn of that love for themselves. It is being at sea, of course, that I speak of!
Three days ago did Aearandir spend some time instructing me in what was a ship and what was a boat! Aiiee – as if a ship-builders daughter knew naught of the matter! Most determined was he that I understood, and made no mistake in my use of the word ‘ship’. In part was he jesting I hope, but I know how dear ships are to their commanders and crew. Aearandir’s heart and spirit are oft at sea, even when his feet are on solid ground!
Durthand has promised to make good her intent to instruct me in better seacraft. Oh I crewed for a short time upon my Uncle’s craft, the Hithaer, but that was about the ports and harbours of the bay, never upon the Great Sea and out of all sight of land.
Durthand says often now that she will ‘show me the ropes!’ And do I not know her sense of humour, that she may mean more than one would think by such words!
So there is the voyage right soon...some days will we be gone, though returned before the time of the annual ball held in the halls of Vanimar.
On that matter, already have I seen travellers arriving in Falathlorn in early anticipation of an evening most splendid. Indeed, it was but a short time ago that we came across the dear lady Amorith, and her companion, Earinlin, riding in for that very ball. We made them welcome for that eve at Thamas Lorn, and look forward to seeing them again during their, and our, time here. Many folk will attend this year I suspect, that the halls and guest houses along the river and in Duillond will be full. Times of merriment are more poignant in these days of unrest, and we must all seek what light we can in our lives to strengthen us.
Strange it is, for but a short time ago I would not have felt at ease amongst such company as will gather hereabouts. Even now I oft prefer solitude, but I am no longer disconcerted by the gatherings of those of noble blood, nor by those of vast experience – neither Sindar nor Noldor, nor any other of our kindred. Last year I attended this same ball in the company of Durthand - Curugirion and Aearandir having both been detained in Mithlond at the time, (though did I not soon find out they had also been at sea upon pursuit of a corsair ship!) My kin-sister and I were the only two of the Mithdirith without duty, and so free to attend. I would state that those of the House of Vanimar made us feel most welcome, and provided delights of food and drink, music, dance and recital. My memories of last year’s ball are happy ones.
But this year... alas, I know not yet what I shall chose to do, where best I may find the light to strengthen me.
A short time after the event, we are under orders from our Lord, Cirdan to travel north. I know but the briefest details concerning the mission, and those only which Aearandir chose to speak to a few of us when gathered in our own hall. There will be a meeting, I doubt not, when the herth will be told all relevant information and what will be required of us. I cannot say I relish the thought of what lies ahead for us, but having seen more than enough of orcs and goblins, and of what they do to land and creature and edhel or man, should they have chance, I would do all I can to prevent them advancing one step. I would follow our wise Lord Cirdan’s instructions to the letter. And if needs be, I would follow Curugirion, Aearandir and Durthand into the Halls of Mandos, rather than relinquish this, our home.
I pray Uinen that will not be necessary!
