Giving two crisp knocks on the heavy oak door, Uilossiel waited for a moment outside Lord Erestor’s study. Her long, midnight blue robe, marking her out as an assistant scholar, rustled uncertainly as she shifted on her feet.
“Do come in, Uilossiel,” a clear voice sounded from inside the chamber. As Uilossiel opened the door, she took in the surroundings once more - it had been decades since she was last here. Sunlight streamed in through an imposing arched window, affording an excellent view of the Valley.
Seated behind an exquisitely carved table, Lord Erestor regarded her with a calculating smile. As always, his slate-grey, silken robes were impeccably arrayed, while he wore no jewelry save a plain silver circlet set with a blue stone.
“I have heard much about your progress in assisting the scholars of Imladris and Mithlond. You must understand, this project of cataloguing the texts in both libraries, and compiling an accurate list of both, is no small undertaking.” He gestured for her to sit down on a nearby chair. Producing a large leather-bound tome from a drawer under the desk, he opened it to the last page.
“This is the record I compiled from the letters and notes of all the scholars I sent to Lindon, yourself included. I believe you have the material for the last several pages?” His keen gaze fell on the sheaf of papers in Uilossiel’s arms.
She considered for a moment, then brought the pages to the table. It had been a long task, but each volume in the Mithlond and Imladris libraries was ready to be listed in the tome on Lord Erestor’s desk. He had explained that, as so many of their people were sailing West, the complete collection of all knowledge they had amassed in the libraries combined would eventually travel over Sea as well. And for that, a catalogue of all titles in the libraries was necessary.
Erestor perused her notes for a moment, scanning each line with hawk-like precision. “These are well-organized and neat works of scholarship.” Nodding briefly at Uilossiel, he continued,
“But now that the catalogue is finished, I must entrust you with a new task.The scholars at Imladris have finished copying those volumes which are not in the Mithlond libraries, in order that they might have a complete collection of books. There is a company leaving for Lindon in a fortnight, and I would like you to accompany them.” Here he paused, carefully gauging her reaction.
Carefully concealing her surprise, Uilossiel inclined her head slightly. “I will go, my lord. But I have only recently returned from Lindon, and was not anticipating another assignment.”
Erestor cleared his throat slightly, looking out the window before returning his gaze to her. “Ah yes, this was somewhat of a new development. I understand that you have recently completed an assignment in Lindon, but your presence will be necessary. You see, I have letters for Lord Círdan and for Falmandil, the head of the archives in Mithlond. All the copies of texts from Imladris which they requested for the Mithlond archives are ready to be delivered, and you shall be the one to deliver them. The other scholars cannot be spared now; as you know some of your colleagues are still in Mithlond, copying texts for the archives here.”
Uilossiel nodded, slightly gladdened that her master was entrusting her with such an important task. “My lord, I must take leave of Lord Anglachelm then, for I have spoken with him of taking the Oath of allegiance to Bar-en-Vanimar. If I depart for Lindon, my entry into Vanimar will be delayed.”
Taking a crisp sheet of parchment from the writing-desk, Erestor replied, “That is a small thing. The House of Vanimar must still answer to the councillors of Imladris, among whom I am counted. Give me a moment and you shall have a letter for Lord Anglachelm explaining your situation.” His quill skillfully began to traverse the page, neat lines of text trailing in its wake.
Admiring his impeccable penmanship, Uilossiel pondered this unexpected turn of events. Just as it seemed she was putting down new roots in the Valley, she was uprooted by duty and returned to Lindon. It was a disappointment indeed that her oath-taking must be delayed; she only hoped that Lord Anglachelm would understand the circumstances. And what of her new-found friends? Sargiel and Dolthafaer had left with Belethoriel’s party, braving the wilds in hope of finding Themodir, formerly of Vanimar’s Order of the Hammer. There was great peril in the venture, and if she was not there to see them return…
“Would you fetch me that red candle, Uilossiel?” Erestor’s voice cut into her reverie. Hastily rising to comply, she lit the candle and handed it to her master. When the letter had been sealed in red wax and embossed with Lord Erestor’s signet ring, he rose from his seat.
“Do not worry, this should be adequate explanation for Anglachelm. Should any trouble arise, do not hesitate to come to me. May your preparations go well, and your journey be smooth. I shall meet with you in two days’ time to discuss further details.” Handing her the letter, he waved his hand in dismissal.
Giving a low curtsey to her master, Uilossiel replied, “Thank you, my lord. You show me great kindness. I shall call on you the afternoon after next. Until then, may Elbereth enlighten your steps.”
The oak door swung soundlessly closed behind her as she left. Nervously fingering the letter, Uilossiel wondered if it would be best to deliver it directly to Lord Anglachelm, or perhaps one of the other lords of the house. But surely not the Lord Ambassador - that would only be inviting gossip. Her brow clouded over as she thought again of those gone on the search party for Themodir. Riding into peril, again for a lost member of Vanimar … she was no warrior, but still felt a premonition that they would encounter much danger ere their goal be accomplished. And if they did return, how would her friends react to her absence? Glancing at the letter in her hands, she realized that she might have to write a few letters of her own. There was much to do before her departure, and gloomy thoughts would have to wait, she mused as she strode resolutely down the hall.
