It never ceases to amaze Maedhrathin how full of music Ealendil is these days. Not at all like the serious-minded warden who had rescued him from an Angamrin ambush all those years ago at Fornost. He had been part of the supply train, helping out with provisions, trailing the host of Lord Círdan. The wagons were protected by armed fighters, yet they who worked with the supplies were lightly dressed, carrying only smaller swords.
At one point during the journey north, as they drew closer, Angmarin soldiers had lain in waiting, ready to spring an ambush. Though they were but a handful, they were better armed. Ealendil, who had, in service of Lord Círdan, shouldered responsibility of maintaining security around the train of supply wagons, had come running at the last moment, clad in the green armor of Eryn Galen, wielding shield and spear, performing a graceful dance, where she never missed any step or strike, and had dispatched of them quickly before they had had any time to regroup. What a wonder to behold! Maedhrathin had fallen in love that with that image of a “warrior-dancer” right there and then, but as the war progressed, burdened other concerns, he had instead come to befriend her, and now they were close.
Maedhrathin sighs, she still dances, the same graceful movements, but now to the sound of sweet music and laughter. Whenever they make stop anywhere, which could be at any moment considering the speed they are travelling at, she always seems to be reaching for her harp, her mother’s most favored instrument. She truly is such a different person he sees before him. Yet, she still practices often, and cares passionately of her weapons and arms.
The trip back from Harlindon, and his cousin’s estate, to Mithlond had been just like that. Stopping every now and then, Ealendil caught up in the cheer joy of the moment, inspired by the singing of the birds she would pluck at the strings of her harp. Maedhrathin smiles warmly at this memory, a blessing it is to be in her presence at such times.
In Mithlond Ealendil had visited the library there, and had consulted with the scholars. Maedrathin knew not what had been leant there, only that it concerned her plans about traveling to Lórien, to visit kin of her mother. Sometimes Ealendil could be very tight-lipped about personal matters. Well, he would find out in time, at least that he had come to expect since getting to know her, in the end she would tell him.
They had reached Celondim by taking a small boat upriver from Mithlond. It had been an uneventful journey, mostly fishermen accompanying them and not much news was there to be learnt from them. And now back in Duillond, standing outside the library, Ealendil once again checks on her harp. She has visited the barber and had her hair cut short. Her once long flowing golden hair a memory.
“Ah, but it is good to be back in the vale”, Maedhrathin muses as he scratches his chin. “If only we could linger here forever…”. Ealendil laughs, a sparkling laughter, “You know very well Maedh, that I am packing. I will leave a week after the end of Laer”. She quiets suddenly seeing Master Calengil approaching. “Sweet híril Ealendil,” he chirps happily, nodding to Maedhrathin in passing by, always in a hurry. “I have received a letter for you”. Beaming he hands her a well-thumbed letter. Ealendil greeting him cordially in return, quickly snatches it from his outstretched hand. “Well thank you Master Calengil, it is good of you to make the trouble to find me” says Elandils in greeting him warmly. “Nonsense my child” he chirps, thought he is considerable younger than her. “It is but a pleasure to serve such a noble house,” he beamingly responds. “Oh, must run off sweet child, may the stars and…”, and off he goes, never stopping in his stride. “Bah… Master Calengil is ever in a hurry these days…”, Maedhratinh shakes his head. “Who is it from?”, he asks with as curiosity overtakes him. Ealendil opens the letter eagerly and reads quietly. “It is from hiril Earcalie!”, she exclaims. “She says she will come down to Falathlorn shortly and will accompany us... me on the road. What a joy! And Thought would be travelling all by myself.”
Maedhrathin frowns. “You know I can’t come with you just yet. I… I will try to catch up later in the autumn.”, and then he trails off. “Oh Maedh, we still have time. We still have a few weeks left. Don’t worry”, she says, concern in her voice. “It is not the journey to Imladris I am worried with. I know both you and Earcalie will be fine. “, he replies. “It is whether I will find you still in Imladris once I arrive… “, Maedhrathin sighs slowly. “I know you are planning to cross the Hithaeglir to Lórien”. Ealendil casts a quick glance Maedhrathin’s way, but remains silent. After a long pause she continues, “I don’t know Maedh... I mean I feel a strong obligation to travel there, you know that. But I assure you I will try not travel alone”, she affirms. “I shall ask Lady Elvealin to accompany me. I know she has kin there, and that she would like to visit them”. Then she continues, “And I will also ask others from the house of Vanimar if some escort could be lent me. The road is long, and these days who knows what danger hides in the shadows”. Maedhrathin shakes his head slowly, “I know you are set on this… but I don’t know if I too will be there to accompany you, I so would like to see the golden Mallorns…”. Then he too grows quiet.
“Come, come Maedh, let’s get home. I miss my house”, Ealendil suddenly exclaims. “And there is still time to rejoice”. Maedhrathin cannot help but too agree. “It is truly good to be back”, he says in an almost inaudible voice as he follows her to the stable-master.
