What We Leave Behind



He was still young when it happened. Once united and mighty, they were divided and weakened. Factions were established, swords were forged in secret and dark whispers spread; words of treason and rebellion. Lies. It had been Morgoth who sowed the seeds, but the Noldor took care of the harvest.

They had bitterly paid for each their wrongs.

Considering the latest events, Annúngil could not help but remember those days of uncertain, even if the circumstances were far different. The pride of the Noldor kept creating new debts, and he was a fool to believe it could have been otherwise now.

Annúngil shook his head, clearing his thoughts. Regardless, his mind was settled: he would depart Imladris. For the time being, however, there were some matters to be seen to in the valley. When all was taken care of, he would travel east, where every capable hand was needed. A great war was soon to break out, he could feel it. He would draw his sword among the Galadhrim once more, perhaps for the last time in Endor.

Before he could move on though, there was something consuming his thoughts: his oath to Bar-en-Vanimar. Annúngil had sworn to protect and aid the Eldar, and that he could not do locked within the walls of Imladris, drinking wine while kinsmen to the east struggled against the enemy. That would be settled soon he swore to himself. He would seek Raolor, and together they would turn in their resignations.

Despite his current discontentment, a small and brief smile took over his lips formerly pressed in a thin line. The path across the Hithaeglir would not be taken alone this time, he mused. Indeed, good and ill developments had sprung with his return to Eriador. Things were changed and his mind had been busy devising new plans and sharpening old ones.

Indeed, things were changed. Word had reached him that Fingolrin was no longer to be found in Imladris.

Annúngil cast one last gaze at the High Moor before leaving his spot. He turned his back to the West, no longer hidden by the shadow of the trees. As his feet guided him to the valley, his words disturbed the silent night.

“Farewell, brother, until we meet again.”