It never failed, if postman left something for Alkawen, the little colourful bird announced the arrival or parcel and letter with pleasant, musical chirps. That morning was an exception, however. Nibellam chirped noisily until the Hiril went to the box to retrieve the day's delivery.
There was only one letter in the postbox. It was written on very fine parchment and folded carefully in three, sealed with a simple red daub of wax. Carefully, the efl lifted the sealing wax and unfolded the letter, which said:
"Hiril Alkawen,
Your name has come to me, whispered on the winds, as one who might give aid to a grieving father. I am Galadhad of Lindon...and a fool.
From my birth I have ever been a child of contention: my mother is of the Vanyar, the light of the Two Trees still shines from her eyes, and my father comes of the Grey Elves --one of the Lindar who can weave memory once more into life with song.
Their union was not regarded as an equal pairing, even though it is even now a loving one, and my birth and childhood reflected the conflict of new versus old.
Though my childhood was spent under the fair skies of Lindon, I was sent to dwell for a time with the Silvan Elves of the Greenwood and learn of their ways. I loved wandering in the wilds, in spite of the dangers that lurked in the shadows of that place.
It happened that one day I discovered a victim of these evil things...a human...a woman. She was badly hurt, so I gathered her into my arms and carried her to a safe place where her wounds could be healed and no further evil could touch her.
Using my father's healing skill, I sang her into a place of light and warmth where she might rest and sleep a healing sleep while I bathed and bound up her hurts and wounds.
When at last her eyes opened, she looked upon me with eyes bluer than the sea and sky combined. Her name was Elaeyn and she came of the people who dwelt in a place named Esgaroth along the banks of the River Running that we name Anduin.
As her strength returned, she told me that she alone had survived of her family nor could she tell me what had beset them, only that is was a dark terror that ripped and tore and lumbered within a cloud of dark despair.
I came to love her, and she loved me in return and thus I bound the elfstone of my mother's family to her brow and took her to be my wife. It was not long after that she gave birth to our daughter, a tiny thing who bore her mother's blue eyes and dark hair. I held her only once and gave her the name of "Free Spirit" ..."Faer Lhain".
Word had come from Lindon that I must return there, and King Thranduil's honour had been pledged to see to my immediate obedience. He had sent his warriors to see that I made my way without hindrance.
Though it rent my heart to pieces, I left my family with the promise that I would soon return. Sadly, soon to the Eldar is far too late for others, and when I returned, all I found was a burial mound beside a deserted dwelling.
I asked where I could, from both Elves and Men, and learned that my daughter yet lived. After her mother's passing, it was said that she traveled South. I followed as I could.
I have had some little information about one who might be her...a huntress who wears a brooch bearing seven stars.
Brennil nín, If this is my daughter, please return her to me. I would know her for myself, but my mother also wishes to meet with her before she embarks on a ship to the West. I am your servant, and humbly await your answer.
Without delay, Alkawen strode to the Manor house, at the top of the hill, letter in hand. Galadhad would not need to wait long for an answer, for the hiril put pen to paper and immediately invited him to journey to Arrowhaven as a guest of the Order.
After sealing the invitation with the mark of the Order in silvery wax, the Grandmaster of the Order sent out her "small messengers" to summon all Knights, Septarians and Squires to the Manor to prepare for this guest, including Galadhad's daughter, Faer Lhain.
