eldar

Carniquessë suppressed a yawn, perched atop the rocky outcrop making up of one of the hidden watchposts scattered all around the plains of Tumhalad. It seemed a morning like many others: sun high in the sky, white clouds rolling lazily in the blue sky and a gentle breeze swaying the blades of grass below.

Upon the grass knelt I,
beside the rippling water.
Upstream, downstream,
the distance drew mine eye.

Where are they?

The breeze loosed a sigh,
the birds sang a joyous song.
Nature took its normal course,
yet worried still was I.

It has been too long.

Finally, a speck drew nigh,
first one sail to crown the horizon,
then three, then five, then
even was clear the sails' dye.

Have they returned?

Mine heart was lifted thereby,

A voice speaks
to those who will hear.
Softly it comes, as the early spring breeze,
a whisper of joy and sadness, yet not of fear.

Upon the voices of gulls is it lifted,
by lapping wavelets is it carried.
Through summer's green grass,
and winter's bare trees.
Upon the wind, in the air,
passed on by bard and scholar alike.

Few enough there be who hearken,
who seek to understand.
But to them is given a gift,
a strength of longing, a restlessness,
a strange and silent calling;

Tall and brave, clad in green
did he stand to bid me farewell.
Departing on a secret errand he was,
one on which he must not be seen.

My brother bid me farewell.

He departed then well-armed,
bearing the blessing of the Lord and Lady,
to journey far on sword and wit
with our wishes that he return unharmed.

My brother bid me farewell.

The morning was most beautiful and bright.
The birds were singing, the wind was sighing,
and around us many brilliant flowers bloomed.