Mirkwood

I watched Parnard with a sad expression. This journey had brought him nothing he had hoped for. Far from it. It had confirmed his worst fears. We were about to depart Felegoth - what need was there for us to remain?- but only with a new apprentice for me, that being Marawendi. None of us had seen or spoken with Parnard’s hoped for betrothed. That door was closed to him.

Estarfin and I stood before the Sindar Captain, Brethenel, I at least wondering on the point in us remaining. We had accompanied our mutual friend, Parnard, to his homeland hoping he would be able to undertake a betrothal ceremony with his beloved Brasseniel, despite her father previously telling him she would not be permitted to wed until after the brewing war with the Dark Lord.

We sat for a while, each caught in our own thoughts now that Parnard was actually summoned. That we shared the same observation concerning Brasseniel’s apparent lack of interest, meant we both were less than convinced our friend would be successful in his endeavor. 

Greenwood the Great, oh forest without measure!
Home to grace aplenty – in the East most precious treasure
Our forebears found you on their way to distant seas
Then decided to stay, under the shadows of your trees

Alas, the shadows grew dark with time
And someone took them under command
Your green he tainted with many a crime,
and soon darkness engulfed all your land

“I should put on my armour soon, in case we are summoned," announced Parnard. 

We made slow and silent progress along the trail to Felgoth. The three of us were in a line, each leading our horses. Pelorian bore the body of the fallen red-haired nis; Norlome all the parts of the Ner we could find, enshrouded in Estarfin’s cloak. A particularly silent Parnard led Swan Hoof, and headed our short patrol.