Fairlain slipped quietly through the doors of the Hall of Fire and made her quickly towards the front of Elrond's great house. The sounds of music and merriment could be heard behind her but for this moment she needed the cool light of the stars once again.
Nimrandir had been telling the company what had befell them in Dunland....of the dark priestess, the crushing fear, and the man of the West who had nearly lost his life. Eyes had turned to her when the glade-walker spoke of how she had walked forward into that devouring darkness and sent a shaft of light through its source to save the man. Fairlain had shifted in her seat, uncomfortably. Did they not understand that it was not her, but the Light itself that had done this? She heard the term "Tegilim" whispered and leaned over to Finduilian to ask what was meant by it. The young warrior looked at her and said,
"There are many brave warriors that are skilled in battle, but not all are gifted with the ability to stand against the great evils of the world...those things that go beyond even the foulness of yrch and goblin. These warriors are named the "Light-bringers"; those who can stand in the face of shadow and hold the light of the One before them. That is what they speak of..."
Fairlain gazed at her a moment, then turned away. It was not long after that she excused herself from the revelry and slipped out into the night. She paused a moment and let the coolness of the starlight wash over her, then she turned, walked across the slender bridge and up the hill to where several dwarven traders kept their camp. As she neared she could see the three of them sitting around a merry fire, mugs at the ready and a rather large keg by their side. Fairlain smiled.
"Jemut men," she said as she approached, "Vemu..."
Baldr, the oldest of the three stood and bowed. "Manu jemetu...you are always welcome, lass. Come, grab a mug and join us!"
Fairlain grinned and did so. It was good to taste proper dwarvish ale for a change. They exchanged pleasantries a while, with polite inquiries as to business and health, until Baldr gave Fairlain an inquiring look and asked with a smile,
"So what is it that brings a great elvish lady out to share a mug of ale with a band of lowly dwarves?"
A sceptical look crept into Fairlain's sapphire eyes. "I am no great elvish lady, Baldr...."
"Oh no?" The dwarf put his mug on the ground and walked over to one of the waggons that rested in the small clearing. Rifling through some goods, he brought out a flat object wrapped in a fine cloth; bringing it over to Fairlain he placed it in her hands. It was an exquisitely fashioned mirror.
"You look like one of the great elf ladies to me..."
Fairlain peered into the glass. The face that looked back at her had shining brown hair that fell below her shoulders and the sapphire blue eyes shone with a light that went beyond the reflection of firelight and starlight. After a moment she looked back at Baldr and said,
"I see the reflection, Baldr...but I do not recognize myself."
Baldr gently took the mirror from her hands, "It's you right enough, lass...Moki is one of the finest glass grinders this side of the Iron Hills. His work doesn't lie."
She stayed with the dwarves a little longer then bid them goodnight. The next day she was summoned to the presence of Lord Elrond. He smiled as she entered the room.
"Galu, Faerlhain. You are looking much more rested than the last time we spoke. I hope your stay here has been a pleasant one?"
Fairlain smiled and made a small curtsey. "It has, my lord. Very pleasant indeed."
"I am glad, and you are ever welcome in this place. But I must speak of a matter that will take you from us."
"What is that, my lord Elrond?"
"It has come to my understanding that the lady of stars has need of you. Do you feel strong enough to travel west once again?"
A look of concern crept into the sapphire eyes, "Iaurmenel Alkawen? yes...of course I can go. But...she is well, my lord? And what of Nimrandir?"
"Your path and the path of the glade-walker must go different ways. I imagine he will return to the Golden Wood, but his fate is not your concern. The Hiril is safe for now, but there are.. things.. that are now aware of her that it were best left un-named. She needs her strength around her, and I know that your presence will add to that."
"Then I will happily go, my lord. If I may take a space of time to make my farewells...?"
"Of course, Faerlhain. Make ready as you see fit, and come to me once more before you set out. Go now, it is no slight journey you must prepare for."
Fairlain bowed and turned to seek out those who had become special to her: Carandriel, Finduilian, and of course, Nimrandir with whom she had traveled such dangerous paths. Each were given her blessing and not a few tears were shed, the most standing in the eyes of the elf from the Golden Wood. Nimrandir bowed to Fairlain as he would have to the White Lady herself and spoke his blessing to her. Fairlain stood and recieved it, her own eyes shining with tears. On the dawn of the next day she appeared before Lord Elrond, dressed no longer in a flowing gown but a sturdy tunic of leather, and bowed deeply before him.
"My lord, thank you for all you have done and given me. My time here has been blessed..." Fairlain's voice caught a little, and she fell silent.
"Child, as long as Imladris stands you may deem it your home. Go now with the blessings of the Valar, the blessings of this house, and my blessing. May the One ever watch over you." And he lifted his hand and placed it gently upon her head a brief moment.
Fairlain turned and mounted her little gold and white mare. Over the bridge that spanned the river and up the side of the valley, 'til they passed they passed the gates of Imladris and turned west. Daysey quickened her pace, the time of idleness was over.
