War comes to Mirkwood, and Eregion.
The Lady of the Golden Wood sent word to her people and those of the Greenwood. It seems an offense is building there. The Malledhrim and many of the Laiquendi seem to already have left. Lord Elrond's halls are almost empty.
Yet other fronts are opening as well. The shadow is finally on the move...
I am worried for my friends who go to the war. I cannot bear to sit idle and not have word of them - I shall attempt to meet them soon. Though not being part of their ranks makes it harder for me to offer my aid, I shall offer as much as I can.
I have fought before - in the forest, in my home. I was full of grief and anger then. Many I slew... but I am no soldier, not fit to fight in rank and file. I have no skill with the sword, nor with the bow.
What then, is there for me to do? I do not know, but I shall know when I arrive. There are many ways I can help. Am I not a healer, do I not know the languages of all creatures? Did I not speak of command before, of being able to unite people against the Shadow? I shall find my fate, for it follows me.
But other events make me thoughtful... tempt me, I could almost say.
Would I really give away the future for a brief moment of happiness? Could I, like her, give life, protect life, in a world where death is on our paths? I do not say that I blame her for it - she may yet be stronger than me. But I sometimes envy the joy she experiences, and ask myself - in times when the night is darkest - if I am right in hoping for the shadow to pass, or if I should be enjoying the here and now.
My heart has never harboured such thoughts before, and they confuse me...
No, such thoughts give the Shadow strength. They are a result of fear, and nothing else. If we all were to abandon hope, and our duties, the Shadow should win easily. I must hold on to my hope, through the dark times that are ahead.
I shall be making my way to the Greenwood soon. Once more I shall be praying to the spirits of nature before that, in a land dear to my heart. It will give me strength as much as it shall aid the land.
Yet I am not leaving with a sad heart, for I have my own reasons for coming to the aid of the Lady's company as well... In doing so I shall be reunited with my friends, and fighting for the hope we all share.
