(This takes place before 'A New Dress' by Parnard )
I stood on the porch of the Last Homely House, looking out across the Valley. My eyes saw with little clarity, however. They were reddened with tears, and blurry of vision. It mattered not. I was alone, and needed no act for others. At least for the moment. I was waiting on Estarfin and the others. We had planned to meet here with our horses when ready to leave.
But for now my mind was still on what had happened. On Aearlinn and Barahirn, and our fire-ruined home. It was difficult, this waiting, this long ride ahead of us. I just wanted to be there again. I wanted Aearlinn to be there when we arrived.
And despite Estarfin’s reassurances, I did blame myself for not foreseeing the event. Because somewhere had been safe did not mean it always would be. Had we not learned that to our peril in times past?
I was responsible for my household, small though it was.And trusting in Filignil to keep all safe seemed to have been another mistake of mine. I had believed her skill in the hunt to be at least as great as her skill as a cook. How had Men reached the houses with her surveillance? Where was she?
The answer was unknown, and likely would remain so until we were back in Ered Luin.
And I became aware of a dark-haired nis standing nearby, watching me.
I briefly inclined my head, but did naught else. I was not in a mood to explain.
Then she spoke.
“Lady Danel, you are returned already.”
I ran a hand lightly over my face, and turned to view her. It was Ruineth.
“Ah, yes. Forgive me, Ruineth. I was deep in thought. The armour, is it ready?”
She watched me closely, no doubt sensing something was wrong with me. She nodded.
“May I collect it shortly?”
“The sabatons and the long knife are at the forge, whenever you are ready,” she replied, then asked “Did you arrive alone?” She brushed a dry leaf from her dress, clearly attempting to look as presentable as possible.
I smiled slightly, thinking of my own appearance. I certainly did not look my best. “Nay. I wait here for the others. We are about to travel on to Numenstaya.”
Looking puzzled at that name, Ruineth asked “Is that in Lindon?”
So gently spoken was she that I felt bad for my mood towards her. I would explain a little.
“Yes, it is nigh the border with Yondershire. But again, forgive me. My mood is far from the best. We received dire news last night, just after we arrived.”
She tilted her fair face in my direction. No sense of dislike, no anger…just a vague concern as to what was wrong.
“The houses in our small village we attacked in our absence.”
Ruineth gasped, and looked shocked.
“So instead of a week resting in Imladris, we ride back swiftly.” I lowered my head, allowing her to see some of my sorrow and vulnerability.
“Attacked, so far West?” she asked. “I thought the Enemy had yet to cross the mountains?”
“A friend, a dear student of mine, was slain,” I continued with my deepest hurt. “The Great Enemy and his forces are still East of the Hithaeglir, I believe, though darkness is on the move.”
Ruineth looked at me with pity in her eyes. I did not want anyone’s pity, but I appreciated her concern. “I am sorry to hear that,” she said softly.
“All we know is that a group of ten or more rough Men descended on our home, slew my friend, trampled our Stable Hand, and set the place alight. So, my invitation for you to visit must be rescinded for a time.”
Ruineth made to step forward, to offer me comfort it looked like. Then she halted. Though my mind was on other matters I felt a little touched that she had even considered such a gesture. Perhaps one day she would be ready to visit?
She nodded to me. “Of course. I can see that you must depart swiftly. Do not come to the Forge. I shall bring your items here.”
“Thank you. That will help. Oh, and if you feel like visiting in a year or so, once we have rebuilt, you will be most welcome.”
She nodded, then curtsied. “I will return swiftly,” she said. Then she departed, heading to Imlad Gelair.
And I waited as the sun set and the stars became visible. It was a pleasant, clear night to start our journey. At least it would have been if our reason was other than desperation. Within ten minutes Estarfin came out of the House, fully armed and armoured. He walked towards me, looking me up and down as he did. As I was garbed in my black metal and leather armour I thought I would pass muster. He nodded to me, then said “You are ready to travel?”
I nodded back. “I am ready, less any Men think to attack us as we pass through their lands.”
He drew his sword. “A new sword,” he said. “There was not time to fully repair the old one.”
I stepped closer to take a good look. “Excellent, meldanya. I hope we have no need of it, but one can never be sure with Men. And Ruineth was just here. She is bringing my sabatons and long knife here. Most kind of her.”
Estarfin nodded and looked to the sky.
“We just wait on Parnard and Marawendi. Their horses are already here beside ours.”
I pointed to the four packed horses at the Upper Stable nearby, hoping the sword, Urusse, was not too noticeable attached to Pelorian’s saddle.
“They will not be long,” said Estarfin.
It was my turn to nod. Then I looked at the sky. “I do not mind departing the Vale of a night,” I commented. “We know the High Moor well. It is the Mannish lands from Ost Guruth onwards that bother me.”
Estarfin sighed. “It is hard to believe. I thought we rode into danger, not left it behind us.”
“I know we dwelt nearer the border than many,” I said. “But we were not the nearest, there are villages closer. I cannot believe it was an opportunistic strike.” I looked up at his face, my next words spoken with serious intent. “Estarfin…tell me if my anger overwhelms my judgement.”
He looked at me, clearly and honestly as ever, and nodded. “Do you ride for answers, to offer aid, or for blood? I do not judge, whatever your answer.”
I only needed to ponder a moment. “For all. Those who did this must know their will be a reckoning. But in truth it is aid first. We must do what we can. Then we seek vengeance.”
And Ruineth was back with her work. She walked slowly up towards us and gave a polite nod. Estarfin nodded back.
She passed the sabatons and knife to me. “May they serve you well, Lady.”
I took them with a deep bow of my head, knowing she had not wanted to see Estarfin. “My thanks, Ruineth. I am certain anything of your making will serve most well.”
And she turned and left. But I thought her step was just a little lighter.
