Of hearts and stones; Part 2


She is running, moving; dancing on swift legs over the ground where once proud Eregion stood. Like the Noldor of the old days once did, and with the almost unmatched grace of a wild doe. We set out from Thorenhad this morning, with the intention of showing Tinw a bit of Eregion. Never did I expect that she would turn up there that night, although earlier, I had told Tinw that we might bump into others of our kin. I just didnt believe it’d be Turuviel of all people; the one who I value above all in this world, save for my sister. Nevertheless, a warm sense of comfort was spread in my body as her voice echoed in my ears. And with the sense of comfort, came also fear for what she’d think of me, as I once again left without a word. I wandered the forests for many days, thinking what I should say when we met again; and when we did - I could barely speak at all. To my delight, she did not seem disappointed. Maybe I am just thinking too much about myself, when I should do the exact opposite. After all, what are we, when all our loved ones are gone?



I learned something in the forest during the night before; as the wild hawks cried and the bears roared in the distance. Alone I was, with nothing but my sword and shield as companions. And they were silent; their presence cold and unnerving, with only one mission in life - to protect the innocents and banish the darkness. Two torog I took down that night, which served nothing more but to feed my hatred for all their kind. And hate; that is the last thing I wish to feel. As I rested in Thorenhad, exchanging words with the sons of Elrond and cleaning my sword, lady Tinw suddenly showed up. A huntress of my House, one I had rarely spoken to earlier. And in my heart was something growing again, for I had missed to have a friend during the dark nights. Just a friend, someone to talk to; one who could share burdens and make everything brighter, if only for a few moments. And suddenly, the night was not as dark anymore. Under the full moon who Tilion guided, we talked of sadness, of old grudges and the gift of friendship; and then Morning came and filled the forest with colors again. And then I realized the great wrong I had done - I left my closest friend behind, when she might have needed me the most. ”Why?”, I asked myself, ”Why?!”



Neither my heart nor mind answered. Maybe because they knew it was wrong; I do not know which path I followed when leaving Imladris, but it certainly wasnt the way of my heart. The stones I carry within me became heavier for a moment, though as me and Tinw watched the sunrise with a happy smile and admiring the colors of the forest, I dropped several burdens - they simply were not there anymore; as if banished by the sun and Tinw’s smile. And then... When Turuviel came, the stones I dropped from my heart must have landed on my feet, for I could not utter a single word of what I wished to say. Now, I carry only what burdens I must, and I leave everything else behind. For she is here with me again, and even if she does not know it, she shares everything I carry; with a smile nonetheless.

Once I asked her to go to Lórien with me, but not until her tasks were done. And now, towards Lórien we are headed. But first we must pass the dwarven lands of Khazad-dûm, a place neither she or I enjoy, for different reasons. It is the only open way, and we must brave the Darkness to see the light at the other side. We shall encourage each other, like true friends should do. 



Here’s a toast to the Darkness; we shall overcome you with the light of the Eldar! And to the Stars of Varda - may we meet again on the other side; with our heads held high and our spirits blossoming.