As Helcequen pulled the letter out from the envelope and unfolded it, a key dropped onto the table. She instinctively picked it up and manipulated it around her fingers as she carefully read through .. twice. The idea of the box was intriguing, just what was needed at this time, the identity of the holder she was fairly sure she knew. Discovering the nature of the contents would be fascinating and enlightening!
Much had changed in the time between the writing and the reading of this letter, Helcequen also had changed! The Legacy of her experiences in both Eregion and Angmar was heavy on her mind and many of her thoughts were given to relieving this affliction. Further research and more importantly the freedom to follow her own path and calling would, she firmly believed, restore her to the state she previously enjoyed. Returning to her full power and potential, or at least as much as could be achieved in the world as it now existed, was her goal.
Now things had also changed within her Order, her correspondent had been replaced as head, the hierarchy was new and although perfectly laudable Helce felt she no longer fitted. Somehow it all suddenly felt claustrophobic ... and she believed the freedom of study she had previously enjoyed would no longer be available. She realized this feeling could be a residual of the illness, after all, the senior members of the new Order had tried their best to help relieve her suffering at the time! There was no one thing Helce could point to as 'wrong', nevertheless, she had to make a move.
Helce wanted to obtain the box quickly while its existence was still 'secret' and likewise seeing what was left in her friend's old house before it was 'closed off' or taken over was a priority. To this end, Helce knew she needed to inform the Order of her intention to follow her calling and pursue some independent research, and so she would announce her withdrawal. She would be a free agent, at least for a time.
Helce penned a short but respectful letter, hoping the parting could be on good terms but making it clear her mind was made up. She arranged for it to be taken to the office of the new Lady of the Order..
When her letter to the Order was was well on its way, Helce donned a hooded cloak, picked up the key (incase proof would be required by the custodian) and set out to retrieve the box. She knew her correspondent would understand that a reply to the original letter would wait a a few days, for now Helce needed to move quickly while her mind was firmly set ...
The next chapter of her time in Middle Earth had begun! ........
