Lamps filled the paths of the hidden vale with dim light, leading to a small gazebo near the falls of Imladris where Faorie stood waiting.
Reeger approached silently from behind.
Slowly, Faorie turned to the Neth Megil, studying briefly. “Ah, suilad Reeger. Thank you for meeting with me.” She had sent word to Reeger earlier in the day requesting his presence.
“Of course, Lady Faorie,” he replied. He stood straight, focused yet at ease.
“I had spoken to Hiril Elisbeth and Khalis earlier this afternoon about a short journey I wish to take.” She paused, taking a moment to gaze about the vale.
Reeger's attention was absolute. He said nothing, but his expression encouraged Faorie to continue.
“You see,” Faorie began, “Lothlorien is my birth home; as it is yours. It is where my memories lay and my childhood remains... but I have come across something disturbing.”
Reeger remained still, listening. “What have you found?” he said quietly.
Faorie reached into her sack pocket and held before Reeger a golden leaf, crinkled and aged but one that still held a familiar glow.
Taking a few steps forward, Reeger inspected the leaf briefly.
“I cannot smell the scent of home anymore,” Faorie almost whispered, gazing down upon the token. “It may seem a rather small thing...”
Before Faorie could continue, Reeger interjected with a question. “Where did you find this?”
“I gather a new leaf from the Golden Woods all the times I have traveled there. It is a memory, a token of home. So that I may never forget.” Her gaze lowered, her raise hand presenting the leaf lowering with every word. “So that I may never stop appreciating my life from before.”
“Why are you showing it to me now?” Reeger asked stoically.
Faorie raised her chin slightly. “Because I have a request of you.”
Reeger once again stood straight and listened intently to Faorie's next words.
“I have requested permission of Hiril Elisbeth to allow me to travel to Lothlorien for a short time. I had intended to go alone, but it seems that all the times Maethor leave the vale without company an unfortunate event takes place upon their travels.” Faorie shook her head slightly, half smiling. “She fears this may occur, although I disagree. It is of course your choice, but I ask you to accompany me to Lothlorien. It will be a short journey and we will not be spending very much time there.”
“How long do you plan on staying in the Golden Woods?”
“A few nights to reflect.”
“I have not been gone as long as you, but I will gladly adventure to our home with you.”
Faorie smiled thoughtfully. “Thank you, Reeger. Your company will be greatly appreciated.” Gently pocketing the leaf back into her sack, she continued, “We will not be leaving just yet, for there are a few matters I need to attend to and prepare before departing.”
Reeger nodded slightly. “Of course.”
“But be prepared to depart within the next few days.”
“I will be ready when you need me, Lady Faorie.”
For a brief moment, Faorie gazed strongly upon Reeger, but she relaxed quickly and inclined her head politely to him. “I will send word when I am ready.”
“I will be here in Imladris when that time comes.” He bowed his head. A small, humid breeze rolled over the river past their feet through the gazebo.
Nodding gratefully as she passes Reeger, Faorie walks off back onto the paths of Imladris to prepare for their leave.
Reeger accepts Faorie's request to travel to Lothlorien.
