“Safe travels to you both.”
Osilivren bowed to Faorie and then to Thendryt.
Thendryt bowed his head slightly in return.
“Wherever the path may lead you. And if not sooner, then I shall surely see you in the halls of Mandos.”
Osilivren mounted his steed and set off, leaving Faorie alone on the side of the road. She stood there a moment, before turning around and slowly walked over to the stair where Thendryt sat.
“He’s not dead yet.” Thendryt said, noticing a hint of sadness in her eyes.
Faorie turned her gaze away.
“The leaves of the Mallorn remain full of life and carry great beauty in all places the wind takes them.” She said. “But not all leaves are golden, not all can fall and radiate life. Some crumble, some die. The leaves that grow here...” She turned towards him, but kept her eyes on the treetops. “Will someday die. But they will grow new life. New beauty. I wonder if all that has fallen, all that has crumbled within the beauty of this valley... Can truly grow again.”
A small breeze blew some of her hair into her face. She moved them to the side, then smiled widely at Thendryt.
Thendryt looked at her with a blank expression, not really sure what the Elf was on about.
“We will see as a new season comes upon us.” Faorie said and sat down, slightly lower on the stairs. “Tell me of the season in your life Thendryt. Surely it is a cold one.”
“And what makes you say that?” Thendryt said, and turned his head away.
Faorie’s smile faded as she turned her head forward.
“I hear of you often these days.” She said as she looked to the sky. “Are you well?”
“Of course.” Thendryt answered. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Thendryt paused a moment. A wound on his shoulder had opened, and he felt blood making its way down his arm.
“What have you heard?
Faorie exhaled slowly.
“Just a bit here and there. Some sound like typical behaviour coming from you... Others…” She lowered her voice. “I am just a bit concerned for you, is all.” She shrugged slightly.
“I’ll be fine.” Thendryt replied with a very different voice than before. “I just need to get some things taken care of.”
“What sort of things?”
Yes, what sort of things Man?
It won’t work again.
It will never work again.
We will win.
Weakling.
“I'd like to be left alone for a while.” Thendryt said. “Might even leave the Vale for a bit.”
“Hm…” Faorie managed.
“To gather my… Thoughts.”
“Where will you go?”
“Not sure yet.”
Thendryt rose, and walked down the stairs. As he passed her, she stood as well.
“Don’t bother me for a while.” Thendryt said. “I’ll be occupied.”
“Very well.” Faorie replied, quickly. “I have some matters of my own to consider.”
She walked up the stairs and headed for the bridge.
“Might even catch up on some reading.”
You’ll soon be ours, Morson.
