As the first signs of rain began to fall from the sky the horse’s ears flicked as he raised his head, a warning to his master and rider.
“Iston.”
Taking a quick look around to get his bearings Gilvendir then turns to Galadhad, the elf he was escorting from Esteldin to Arrowhaven. The elf seemed to know what the Ranger was thinking as he gave the man a knowing nod of his head. Both riders had their hoods raised, shielding them from the now soft patter of rain though it would not do if the rains would come harder - and they were bound to.
Nudging Suldal gently with his knee, Gilvendir gave his steed the signal to pick up the pace though making sure his companion could keep up. Knowing full well the elf could hear him, he did not bother to raise his voice as he spoke in almost-fluent Sindarin:
“An old friend has a cabin just up ahead, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind us dropping in - especially in this weather. And it is getting late...”
Galadhad replied with a nod of his head. Despite his ever growing yearning to reach their destination as soon as possible, in the two days they had been travelling together and after a few conversations during their journey, he had grown to respect the young man’s decisions. Well, a young man in his eyes perhaps.
* * * * * * *
The rain was now a steady downpour as Gilvendir and Galadhad made their way carefully up to the cabin, trudging their way through the now muddy terrain.
There was no light coming from the cabin, nor any sign of life or movement as the two riders found what shelter they could for the horses and made their way up the steps to the door. Without saying anything, the Ranger bent down as if to examine the masonry near the frame of the door.
Whatever it was that he did, a moment later he straightened up and in his hands was a key. Turning slightly to Galadhad he gives him a knowing smile as he unlocks the door as they both get out of the rain.
* * * * * * *
They spent the evening there, though the cabin’s resident never returned. Galadhad had asked of their non-present host and Gilvendir had answered with three words that, for all intents and purposes, explained it all: “He’s a Ranger”
Moments of enlightening conversation, mainly about the elf’s long journey from Lindon, were broken up by moments of respected silence between the two.
It was during one of these moments that Gilvendir got up to look out one of the small windows. It was still raining heavily. He hoped the horses were alright - they did their best to get them out of the wind and rain, and covered them with what heavy blankets they could find. As he continued to stare at the rain, his mind began to recall the events of the past two days.
They had first stopped for a quick respite near Amon Raith, and only once through the North Downs did they happen across a small party of orcs. Even after doing the best he could to stay away from trouble, it was inevitable with all troubles of the lands. That being said, most of the journey was uneventful and Gilvendir had learnt quite a bit about Galadhad of Lindon. And it was Galadhad that broke the silence:
“You should rest Andufion. Though the clouds shall not yield, there are but a few hours left until a new day dawns…”
Gilvendir turned to regard the elf who was sitting seemingly casually at the small wooden table, a small tome in hand. Though he could see no outwardly signs of it, he could tell from their conversations that Galadhad was just like any father full of hope and excited at the prospect of finding his long lost daughter.
Galadhad knew that despite the Ranger’s lineage, he was still a mortal-man. And mortal-men needed sleep. He did not need to repeat his suggestion however, as the young man thanked him for understanding and made his way to the bed to sleep. The elf could only regard the man, letting a small smile reach his lips. What an interesting fellow.
* * * * * * *
The true occupant of the small cabin did not return by the time our two riders left. The rain decided to subside in the early hours of the morning and by the time they reached the borders of Breetown, the sun was shining through the cracks of the remnant rain-clouds. The roads became a little busier and Gilvendir lead them off the beaten track, both of them not wanting to draw too much attention.
They would take the long way around the town, not wanting the pass through it, and Gilvendir smiled as he looked up in the skies. They would reach Arrowhaven by the afternoon.
