Shafts of sunlight slant through the canopy above, winking in and out as the wind stirs the leaves into new patterns. The wood is filled with light: it glances off the rippling water to either side, casting glimmering reflections back across the surface. Somewhere among the trees a bird sings, undisturbed by the silent movements of the sentries I know patrol nearby. But for them, this land would almost seem untouched by the troubles outside its borders. There is peace here – yet all are aware that it is hard-fought, and hard-won. Only the Lady's protection seems to hold back the tide.
For the moment, however, battle is far from my mind. I had feared that our move to Lorien would be nothing more than exchange of confinements – yet in this peaceful realm, where none know us, Galdorion and I find ourselves with more than an illusion of freedom. I make the most of it – leaving the city for hours at a time to roam the forest silently. I am still wary – I do not approach the outposts held here, or even talk much with the sentries scattered through the wood. Since our arrival we have seen little of Lord Tyelepoma or Lady Athlidhrael, and I am cautious not to do anything that might draw their attention to us, or remind them of Lord Veryacano's orders. A part of me dares hope that out here we are even far enough from his gaze for his command to be laid aside. It is hard for me to allow such a hope, having seen so clearly his unbending will, and yet in this place it seems suddenly easy to think that such a thing could be possible. To my surprise, I am happy here, and with that happiness, hope flourishes.
I curl my feet under me, leaning back against the sun-warmed stone of the statue at my back. A single golden leaf drifts down from the sky, its landing creating slight ripples as it joins the others scattered across the river's surface. The river moves slowly, and as many leaves as it carries downstream, there always seem to be more floating, catching the sunlight and setting the river itself gleaming. I remain still, looking around me. Though it is not my first time in the forest, it is the first time that I have had the leisure to truly appreciate its beauty. They are both beautiful, yet the land here is utterly unlike the valley of Rivendell – a difference which I am grateful for.
As I glance across the river, a movement on the other bank catches my eye. I stand quickly, feeling a smile start across my face at the sight of Galdorion moving towards me down the bank. The sun sets his bright hair gleaming, and as he glances up and smiles at me I am filled with a sudden fierce joy. I know it may not last – we cannot stay here forever, even if we wished to, and I do not doubt that the Lords of his house will find some way to interfere eventually in our happiness, and our freedom. But for this moment, as we meet in the bright Lorien sunshine, we are golden.
