Gazing into the looking glass, Híthenér carefully examined his chin. He could certainly feel the wisps of hair, but to the eye they were barely visible. Still, he felt older after his decades-long ordeal in Angmar. What he would do now he did not know but at least he had plenty of time to think. Belethoriel had taken the party northwards into Angmar and Híthenér was both unwilling and unable to go with them. The Elves of Bar-en-Vanimar, guided by a Dúnedan, had fought their way through the Orc encampment and rescued Híthenér from the Hill-Men. Of those that had brought him to Lin Giliath, he was most grateful to the healer Laurelindo, who had treated his wounds. What Giric had said about the trolls was true; the Elven refuge had at first seemed barely damaged by the attack. Nonetheless, a great many Elves had been slain, their number including Lachenn, the keeper of the glade. The dwelling was now secure, reinforced by the party of Gildor Inglorion, and Híthenér was being well looked-after. He now left his pleasant quarters and walked out onto the grass. The refuge was quiet, the residents silent in their grief. Looking to his left, Híthenér saw a nís sitting on a bench, staring ahead blankly. He walked up to greet her and upon closer inspection realised she was Nannorviel, a member of the company that had kept watched over Angmar. “Nannorviel,” he said, “It is good to see that you too have escaped the Iron Land!” He smiled at her, but she gave no reply, barely acknowledging his presence. “I fear you waste your words, mellon,” a glade attendant addressed Híthenér, speaking gravely. “The lady has not spoken since Lord Belethoriel found her. I believe her to be scarred by her experiences in the north.”
“We are all scarred!” yelled Híthenér, “Yet we are not all reduced to this!” he gestured at Nannorviel, aggrieved at her fate.
“Come now, you are not well.” the attendant said gently. “I will take you back to your room; let us not disturb the peace of the glade.” Híthenér unhappily submitted, not knowing which way to look. The past was filled with sorrow, the future promised little better.
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Unchained (A Short Epilogue)
Submitted by Hithenair on July 13th, 2014
