Nimuviel’s Diary: Page 11

Iavas day 16, I Randír Îdh It is done, then. And done rather more quickly and more easily than I had quite expected. I found Aldalin and Liwurien together under the cherry trees, yesterday, on the eve of the banquet. The evening had been sweet, with a cool breeze from the northern mountains but warm enough still to stay outdoors until nightfall. I sat down with them and asked them quite frankly if I might not stay, and learn as they might teach me, and do such good as I might for them and theirs, and for all others that might ever need my help. To my surprise, they did not doubt my lack of skill, as I had half expected, nor did they try to talk me out of it in account of my age and inexperience. Instead, Aldalin merely smiled and asked if I was quite sure if this was what I wanted, and I said it was, and Liwurien looked at me sternly for a little while, as I explained what my motives for wanting to be with them were, and then she nodded and only said that I would have to pass a certain test in order to prove my devotion to their cause. Now today Aldalin and Liwurien have given me a bow and quiver and a lot of arrows and we’ve set up a small practice range behind the halls in the shadow of the cliff and I’ve practised for most of the morning. We’ve just had a light meal at noon and I am sure they will attempt to teach me other things the rest of the day, for I’ve seen two daggers lying on the table outside and am sure that they will attempt to teach me how to use them, too, other than for chopping vegetables or carving wood. Thinking of this task they will set me causes me anxiety, and I am not sure if a few days’ training with these weapons will quite prepare me for anything they have in mind. But I know I must not think such things and have faith in them, for they have been so kind and so generous to me so far and would not put me in way of any harm if they thought I could not handle it. I hope. But I am egocentric and think only of myself… This morning Gildin, Ashareth and Llerieth left us. They must travel swiftly and join with the rest of their fellowship who await them I do not know where, and they said the do not expect to return for a while. The members of the House of Celandine have left, too, and have set out for Imladris. Now were are left here in Wanderer’s Rest with but few, although Galvathalion and Celebhir do call in every day and often sup with us. I hope that I may travel with a fellowship as well for my task, for I do not like the idea of having to take the road by myself again. I remember the lonely days of the summer and do not wish to relive them. But I trust Aldalin and Liwurien know this, and I hope that I will travel out with them when the time comes.