The sun has almost set behind the Weather Hills, to the west of the Trollshaws, and the third day of the mission was coming to an end. Angelnarth gratefully received a small lit candle from one of the elves around him, which he brought closer to his map, inspecting it thorough.
"Hir Angelnarth..", the voice of one of the camp's scouts came to distract him from his deep thought. "The patrols from Tal Bruinen have returned, Hir. We are assured now that the man you are looking for is not in the southern parts. I suggest we continue with the first light."
The scout's report came to trouble Angelnarth even more. He had hoped so far to find either Gilvendir or the man we was after somewhere along Bruinen's shores.
"Yes, of course...thank you.", he replied in a silent tone, paying more attention to his map and notes than his surroundings.
"Pardon me for disrupting your thoughts twice, hir, but you seem to have a visitor."
"A visitor...?" he mumbled. Angelnarth's eyes glimmered with hope for a sole moment, which seemed more like an eternity to him. It was like he was about to experience an unexpected meeting, and one which he yearned for a great deal,too.
A slim, petite figure showed up behind the elf. She was dressed in fair cloth of green color, with a face under the darkness of her hood, and yet a few blonde curls coming out of it, resting gracefully upon her shoulders.
Upon beholding his unexpected visitor, Angelnarth quickly returned to his usual calm, tranquil self. He devoutly lowered his head as the woman lowered her hood.
"Welcome to Thorenhad, hirril Alkawen ", he said in a firm tone.
The lady's approach was kind, yet showed her to be in great hurry: "My friend, we need to talk.". She took a quick glance around, as if she was about to unveil some great secret, and continued "Were you able to locate Gilvendir?"
Angelnarth lowered his gaze for a few moments, before looking her in the eyes again. "That, i did not. We have not covered the whole area though, i am positive he will be found soon enough."
"Forget this task for now, Angelnarth. I came here for something of far greater importance."
Angelnarth pondered for a moment, before allowing her to continue. -"Do you know of Thinglad, Angelnarth?"
-"Sindar camp in the East, nearby the Anduin river. I have seen it in the maps."
-"Good. I need you to travel there, and find Haldirith. Inform him that Iaurmenel sent you. You are to receive a message with further orders once you get there.Are you eager to do that journey, my friend?"
Angelnarth bowed his head once again, his fisted hand placed upon the left side of his chest, saying "I shall put my life on the line, and carry out the mission!"
-"Thank you. Elrond seems to trust you, and so will I. As of now, Angelnarth, you are to tell noone of your journey. No names, no purposes. Nothing at all, until you reach Anduin. Are you able to do that?"
-"Understood, hirril. I will not fail your trust. First thing, I shall head to Imladris for rations, gold and some of my equipment. I will depart with the first light for Eregion, and then all the way south-east until i reach the gap."
"You are free to choose of the way you see more fit. I trust your judgement in that, my friend."
The Dunedain nodded firmly, and then slowly walked away.
"Angelnarth...", the lady called.
"May the Valar guide your path".
