There was one thing Plinnlim had not taken into account. It was not the hardships of a life travelling through wilderness. It was not the overcoming of fear when fighting against evil creatures or unknown foes. It was not facing battle. She knew her bow like herself and she was as good an archer as back home. Fast, accurate shots that never missed. That was the easy part.
What she had underestimated was the loneliness. Travelling the harsh world of men without seeing a familiar face, without the gentle ways of her own kind, without the lush trees and the cascading waterfalls of Imladris. That was what was getting to her. After Mallenhadh had been so helpful in talking her parents into this, Plinnlim had never imagined that she herself could be the one who would regret it.
But right then when she thought she could face no more of all the dust and harsh words, there it was: A friendly face and a greeting that sounded like a melody to her ears. And suddenly all her worries were forgotten. Fighting side by side with another elf for a short time, hearing words of encouragement like those Mallenhadh had spoken to her at home – that was all she had been lacking.
When looking up at the stars later before falling asleep, in her mind she thanked Lady Aewiel for crossing her path today. Now she knew she would be able to wander the paths she had chosen for herself. But it could not hurt to follow her invitation and visit the Hall of Fire, too. So far, she had not been fond of dressing nicely and dancing, but she had not thought of how getting to know others that were wandering Middle-earth could become important for her.
Learning something new every day. She was sure now that Mallenhadh had known about this one lesson she had to learn, facing loneliness. And about many other lessons that might follow.
