Unexpected news arrived this morning.
Dire news!
Our Lady has suffered grievous harm, and even now is being brought back to us by Varyamo.
Unexpected? Every time she rides away, I look to my wife and she says ‘Never has Istarnie suffered more than scrapes and bruises. She will return.’
Such has been the truth of things over the Ages. But none of us here in Endore are indestructible. Even she.
Many from the Blessed Realm have perished here alongside those born in these lands. So very many. Skill with arms may help and, the Valar know, the Lady is most skilled with the sword, but we have learned that skill is not always enough. Through many battles we Noldor learned that.
“Aule himself watches over her.” Arnone whispers and is content, though stern faced, in her belief.
Yes, some days I also consider the Vala Aule watches over her. Yet she is no Valie, no Maia. And I confess, I sometimes fear for her.
So it was that Falassiel, having encountered the travellers nigh the Tower Hills, rode into Enyalie Mardi shortly after dawn, bearing the tidings.
Lady Istarnie was ‘found’ by Varyamo on the edges of Eregion. Sore wounded...injured was she and hardly conscious.
Now my mind races as to what transpired, even as my wife races to prepare our journey to meet up with Varyamo in Celondim, even as Falassiel returns to them.
When I departed Imladris some several weeks ago, Lady Istarnie had just left for the East. Her mind had been set on giving aid in the war against the Dark Lord, as she had once stood against him under the banners of Gil Galad.
I had not the authority to do aught but warn her lightly of the possible doom she may encounter. Her granddaughter spoke more forthrightly and firmly to her. But as ever, the Lady does what she wishes.
She rode East, over the Hithaeglir, yet was found in Eregion?
Who, or what could have bested her there, and why was she not taken straight to Imladris, to the healers of Vanimar or to Lord Elrond himself?
My questions must wait. The Lady needs our aid.
