The last few months had been quite busy for me. There was still much to be done in Khazâd-Dum, and the dwarves sure did pay well. Spending my time with the finest of craftsmen among Durin’s Folk proved fruitful, as well, as I walked out of Moria with my finest work yet – a vibrant, shining set of plate armor with the slightest hints of mithril infused into it. It could still use some work, though, but it was certainly worth the effort and coin.
I was back in Bree, enjoying what profits I had left to allow myself a few weeks of rest before setting on the Road again. The cold winds of the winter were finally coming to an end, and soon enough the flowers would once again blossom in all their glory. It was as if nature itself was welcoming me after my long absence in the depths of the earth.
Checking my mail, as I did every morning, I noticed a letter with the seal of the Company. I was being summoned to the Lone-lands to discuss an important and urgent matter. So much for taking some time off.
I was riding through the streets of Bree when I heard a bit of a commotion. There was laughter, yelling, and what sounded like a hint of music. I decided to investigate.
And there she was. I thought I had set my eyes upon the fairest of the elven maidens, with eyes as blue as the skies above, her hair as golden as the trees of Lórien. But all the beauty in the world paled when compared to her voice. When she sang, the whole world lay silent, as if not to disturb the most beautiful sound to have ever graced Arda. And she sang songs of love and loneliness.
I could not help but approach. I nodded, greeting the small group that had gathered around her. In between songs and cheers, we talked and joked around. I had not had this much fun in years.
There was another woman there. The only thing I noticed about her in that first encounter was the prominent scar in her right eye, and that she was shy, but friendly. She told me her name was Aureliane.
Then, the minstrel spoke to me. “Welcome, kinsman”, she said to me. “Come to enjoy this impromptu party?”
It was then that it hit me. When I first joined the Company, I remember briefly seeing a celebration of some sort, and a blonde figure dancing in the distance, wearing the same dress the minstrel was wearing. It was Guriwen, a well-respected member of our kinship.
After exchanging some pleasantries, it was sadly time for me to depart. I could delay my voyage no more, and so bid my new friend farewell.
I was deeply troubled. I knew I had to see Guriwen again, whatever the cost, but I just did not know how. I wanted to tell her what I felt that day, to once again listen to that voice, and look into the deep ocean that was her eyes. But however would I ever find her again?
I will not disclose what happened in the Lone-lands, nor what the Company demanded of me. But I will say that there I met Brandadam, my old friend, and told him of my chance encounter in Bree. “Alairif”, he said, “I believe I know this minstrel of whom you speak”. Her singing had attracted the attention of many birds of Bree-Land, who had then told Brandadam about her. They had overheard that she would soon be in Dol Amroth. I knew where I had to go next.
After the longest ride I have ever ridden, I arrived at the city. It had been many a year since I had last set foot in Gondor, for shame of what had become of my life. But this could not wait any longer.
When I arrived at the city, I spent long looking for her. I found her in the Trading District, and I could not be more surprised by what I saw. Gone was the delicate dress she was wearing in Bree, replaced by the most masterfully crafted set of Gondorian leather armor I had laid my eyes upon.
She was accompanied by a well-dressed dwarf. He was speaking of a great voyage, of some “half-hearted corsair” and of the riches he had brought. And, most of all, of how Guriwen had ensured their safety.
It was then that she noticed me. I waved, nervously, not having thought that far ahead. I believed I manage to mutter something along the lines of “Hello, should I wait for you here?”. What was I thinking, showing up unannounced? I was half a world away from Bree, she knew that I had followed her. I was sure she would call the guard on me, but, instead, she smiled at me. “Come on”, she beckoned. “We don’t bite”.
I approached, stunned. She remembered me!
Guriwen introduced me to the dwarves. Their leader, and most experienced craftsman and salesman, was Frimsi Gembeard. He seemed to take a liking to me, welcoming me with open arms. We spoke for a while, but I do not remember what about. I am not ashamed to admit it, I only had eyes for Guriwen.
A loud trumpet warned me that I had just been about to step on another of Guriwen’s friends, a rowdy swan that had accompanied her on her trip. Fortunately, he accepted my apology.
After Guriwen ensured everything was set on the market, a nearby guard offered to give us a tour of the city. I could not care less about it, but Guriwen accepted. Thus, I followed her again.
When we were but a few minutes into the tour, we stopped before the Palace steps. Guriwen excused herself and left the tour. I did the same, and we went up, along with the swan. I petted him, to which he replied with playful nibbles and yet more trumpeting.
At first, our conversation was awkward. Although none of us would admit it, we both knew why I was there. Why else would anyone ride all the way from Eriador to Gondor just to see someone? However, it ended up being a very pleasant exchange. Again, I do not remember what we talked about, as my heart was about to burst from my chest.
She stopped for a second and exchanged whispers with a young gardener. We then approached a fountain and said his goodbyes to Cygnus. The swan jumped into the water and, after looking back one last time, left to swim with the rest. Guriwen was clearly distressed, and worried about her friend.
Something awoke in me in that instant. As if we were old friends, I put my hand on her shoulder. “They will be alright, Guriwen”, I said. She looked at me, relieved.
“Yes”, she answered. “Perhaps they will”.
