Misty Mountains Campaign

As I write this, it is two days until my first wedding-anniversary, and two days until the anniversary of my only love's dying in my arms.

Aldúya, the 49^th day of Lairë

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The tramp of steel-shod boots grated upon pale flagstones as Makanárë strode up the path, face grim. Overhead, the stars glimmered pale and distant, while the closer lights of Imladris blinked and faltered  in the cool breeze. Her steps did not waver, feet leading her up a grassy knoll until she stood beside a simple cairn, newly made.

Oh, Diary. Will the bleeding of my heart never cease.

I stood at the cairn today -- I go there daily, and speak to my darling of trivial events in the Valley, but today the remaining members of the campaign to the Hithaeglir returned. Each paid their respects in their own ways.

Luthelian stood at the edge of camp, scanning the surroundings for any movement. She paused, her eyes resting on a tall stone figure standing in the distance with its back to the imposing cliff wall.

The note is scribbled in haste, but the writer has clearly taken some pains to be neat.

Híril Elisbeth,

The handwriting is scratchy and shaky, but fully readable, with no possible mistake in the words of the letter.

My dear oath-sister,

To the Lord Ambassador of Bar-en-Vanimar Parnard,

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to you. When your lordship left for the Hithaeglir, little did I know that my duty would require me to bear sad tidings to you through my letters. I had one in progress since the last report I sent, and it consisted of all important matters, such as the latest speculations of the valley folk and the tale of an escaped chicken from the kitchens, but the contents of that report matter very little now.

Well beyond the end of the Third Age and the passing of most Elves into the West, this ballad was carefully preserved and sung by Elf-friends in all corners of Middle-earth, some say even the Shire. It was carried by the best of the minstrels home to Valinor, where even Nienna, whose tears of compassion constantly flow, is rumoured to believe it is a worthy expression of grief. The authorship of the song is unknown, but some believe it was originally written by Manadhlaer herself, at least in part.

Ballad of Themodir's Fall