As Lefrinu and Diriana made their return trip to Esteldin, the huntress left her musical companion at Ost Forod to scout out ahead and determine what route they would take to the North Downs. As she neared the bridge to Tinnudir, her horse reared and slowed in his tracks at the sound of another horse galloping towards them. Much to the elf maiden’s surprise, it was Igarthel Swiftrider! His horse slowed up, and even he was admittedly shocked at the two of them running into each other. But it was the dead of night, and wolves were on the hunt. Crossing the bridge to an island under the Wardens of Annuminus’ protection, the two friends talked through the night and watched as the sun rose above the mountain tops…glimmering upon the surface of the lake. Walking along the shore, they spoke of the changes to the Sworn Wanderers after she and her sister left, while he listened to her speak of her cousin’s role as leader of the House of Valehaven.
The elf and the Rohirrim spent the day together, their conversation changing from their duties to what they were doing in the area. Lefrinu explained how she was looking for safe passage back to Esteldin, which caused Igarthel to grow concerned over her and Diriana’s safety. She assured him that the two of them managed well enough together, but admitted that she felt her skills weren’t best used making weapons for the rangers.
As Igarthel spoke of the aid he was giving to the Wardens of Annuminus, the day progressively turned to night. As the stars twinkled on Lake Evendim’s water, they talked about the stories they grew up listening to…and found a strange similarity between ones that personally affected specific members of their families. A story of unrequited love; of a Rohirrim who was rescued by a group of elves and nursed back to health. The man felt so fondly for an elfin maiden…or a princess as Igarthel was told, but believed himself unworthy of the fair race’s presence.
He spent his last days in their homelands hunting and preparing leathers for armor. He used the finest to make a traveling suit for the princess he silently loved, naming it after the stars that sparkled in her eyes. He had hoped that one day she would wear them to visit him…but that hope never came to be. The Rohirrim returned to his homeland…starting his life anew.
Igarthel knew the story well, as his father’s father recited it often over the late winter’s fire. To hear the Valehaven’s version of the tale, he thought Lefrinu was pulling his leg. But when she revealed that he surely saw it the last time he came to Cerynitis’ aid in the Misty Mountains, the man began to feel as though Fate was playing some cruel joke on him. The elf maiden didn’t understand what he meant…though in truth there had been something they both had been keeping from each other. It was perhaps something they both had skirted around during their conversations throughout the day, but it wasn’t until right then that Igarthel dared to tell Lefrinu how he felt about her.
It took her by surprise, in truth…and while she smiled most happily about his confession, she was unable to form the words to express her feelings as well. After all…unlike her sister, the elfin huntress wasn’t the most adapt when it came to expressing her thoughts out loud. So, as she tried to muster up the right response while Igarthel continued on about how it was foolish of him to feel for her in such a way, but continued to vow to stand beside her and her kin in defense of Middle Earth. Finally, Lefrinu expressed at how proud she was of him, for doing what she had not the courage to express herself. It was in her own small way of admitting that she loved him as well.
Though they were both excited and eager to vow their loyalties to each other...the fact that the sun was rising for yet another day only reminded Lefrinu that she had been gone from Ost Forod for too long, and surely Diriana would begin to wonder why her companion had not yet returned! Igarthel offered to accompany them back to Esteldin, which the elf maiden gladly accepted. They were happy to spend the time together, especially since they knew their companionship would be parted again when it was time for him to return to his duties.
