"Do you remember Lothlorien, child? You were once there for a very short moment."
Fairlain looked at the green-eyed elf and nodded assent.
"There is a Lady there of great wisdom, who has seen all that you have been through in the past weeks. She wishes that you would come and abide with her a little, for she sees that you have taken wounds to your spirit that have not been healed, and would have you be joyous and whole. Even now you are travelling back to the lands of the horse-men?"
Fairlain's jaw set purposefully, "Yes, I made a promise and..there have been...things...left behind, that I would try to find again."
The Woodlark smiled gently, "You mean the man Folc, and Beomia and their son?"
Fairlain gasped with surprise, "It was a boy, then? Folc was hoping for a son...but how...?"
"The land of the Wold is not so far from the eyes of Lothlorien. Thinglad stands on the very borders. Your friends are safe, though I am sure they think of you and worry."
"There was also my...friend...."
"Your steed?"
Fairlain nodded, her cheeks reddening slightly.
"I know he is just a beast...but...", she fell silent, and studied the ground a moment.
"He waits for you in safety at Thinglad. The Eastern men did try to take him but he eluded them and ran away."
Fairlain looked up, a delighted smile spreading across her face. "He is...he did?!"
"He did, young one" The lady Gladaewen smiled in return. Her glance became a little more serious as she looked into Fairlain's eyes.
"And what of this young man in the red hood?"
Fairlain looked puzzled. The elf continued,
"He has been following your tracks...who is he?"
"Red hood? The only one I know with a red hood is...no, not him...that would be stupid."
"He does not think so, child. He has been trying to protect you."
"We have only spoken...twice, at most. He will get himself killed!" Fairlain's brows knitted with annoyance.
"I see what is in your mind, Faerlhain. You would go back and protect this man in return." The Woodlark laughed gently. "I would ask that you do not do this. Please remain here in the camp of Celebrian's sons, and I will happily go after this friend of yours and guide him safely to this place as well."
Fairlain took a breath to object then caught a glimpse of the tempest beneath the elf's clear gaze. Cynraede would be safe with this one, and woe betide any that would harm him. She stood in front of the lady Gladaewen and squared her shoulders. "Find him then, my lady. I promise I will stay here until you return."
