Irulian paused in thought for a moment and looked up from her book, carefully placing it onto the table. She glanced across the courtyard to the far mountain ranges that glimpsed through the mist. The tips glistened with the first fall of snow, a brilliant white against the deep blue sky of the early morning.

 It had been an unpleasant time these past two weeks as she mused in thought. Her cousin Pennion, had been thrown from his horse whilst out riding the boundaries of the northern realms of Ered Luin and the injury sustained, although not mortal was considered bad enough for him not to travel until the wound was fully healed. She had not seen him since her early childhood, for he lived in Rivendell and enjoyed the sanctuary such a beautiful place afforded.

 Thoughts from her early companion and the times he visited her family whilst she grew up came flooding back and a smile creased her face in memory of the tall proud elf with black hair.

“You really ought to be more careful Lian when walking these moors, as I can’t be looking over you forever” as Pennion stood over the young female elf Irulian, tears formed in her eyes and she looked down at her ripped dress.

“You were lucky not be skewered by that wild boar, they stray seldom into this valley but are becoming more frequent visitors for some reason” said Pennion.

“I am sorry Penn but I couldn’t bear the thought of not welcoming you from your journey and as news came through your arrival would be Today, well I just thought I’d surprise you” recounted Irulian.

“You certainly did that young elf, now lets get you cleaned up before your father, and more importantly your mother sees you in this condition” replied Pennion, “oh and leave the adventuring to me, besides I’ve brought some new books for you, I believe you may find them useful” smiled Pennion.

 Those same books, now held in her hands are more precious than any jewels found in Middle Earth or over the sundering sea. A time for a decision was needed and looking over this beautiful land that had been her home for all her life she knew she must be free of the bonds that held her there.

Her studying in lore and medicine had been completed for many years but she clung to the belief that she was still needed by her mother and father. The decision was made - she would go and stay with Pennion in Rivendell to aid his recovery. Her knowledge is well noted amongst the local academics, it’s about time I walked different paths and made new friends, help not only my own kind but also all the strangers I may meet on the way, she thought.

Its time for my adventure to begin, she thought as she gathered up her books and prepared her fathers favorite herbal tea just as the breakfast chime sounded.