The Journey: The Night Has Fallen in Forochel

And so we moved from the Frozen Lands once again, leaving what was dear both to me and Lothrandir behind. Forochel was the land I still called home. It was deserted like my life and sould after The War of The Ring. The road was long and silent, filled with blizzards and extreme temperatures. On the last night before proceeding into Evendim we sat on a hill, listening to the sound of the wind and watching the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights above us. They spend their time by the campfire, but I didn't join them this time. Instead, I've chosen to stay alone in the snow, even more as it covered my hood making me both even more cold but also covered from the wind. I was sitting motionless and focused on the lights with so many things and memories running through my head. Thoughts of home, of the people I haven't seen for so long, fallen kinsmen and family. Then I thought of those that remained and those of which fate remained unknown to me. Lothrandir was calm this night, one could tell he was disappointed to leave Forochel behind once again if known him enough. Daehathol and Atharandir were focused on their own battle tales and not caring about anything besides that. Only Gaurandir remained observant. From time to time he glanced at the fire, but he also was focused on me. I couldn't tell that until he approached. "What could be troubling The Forngarmo this nice and calm night?" - He asked as he sat beside me, with his wolves following him. Valor looked up both and me and at them and knowing that everything was alright he lied down again. I put my hand on his head, petting him gently and running my hand through his fur. "Distant memories and thoughts..." - I replied before focusing on the name he used. "Forngarmo... how long that name was making me a legend... but not anymore.." - I said to myself quietly but as it turned out Gaurandir has heard me. He leaned closer, just to look at my eyes. "A legend you will remain until the end, no matter which name are you known under now. Forngarmo, Katrandil or Gorneleg - it doesn't matter. You'll remain a legend among people." - He said calmly while looking at me. I smiled faintly from under my mask. A legend? I never was one. I was always just a rugged and weary wanderer and nothing more. But no one could understand that. Gaurandir looked like he was about to say more to me after a while of silence, but Vaeltaja ended our talk. "We are ready to go, friends..." - He said letting us know that the time to move on has come. Atharandir, Lothrandir and Vaeltaja began to pack our things. I ventured a bit ahead staying on the edge of the hill then closed my eyes.

"From the Lands afar I have come,
Wandering away from the right one but I have no home.
No people to look after me anymore, With friends that are now gone. 
Gorneleg remains alone, But mentioning are they worth and I will now count them on:
Amwynn the dear that gone missing long,
Carrenhil Cardin, the best friend of old,
Faerollas the Calm, one and only love,
Alanza Niphredil, sister that died young.
And more they are but with fates unknown to me, 
Ornessar the elf, That no more is here,
Suoma the hobbit with most cheerful lead,
Turchiron, our kinsmen and rest of the Host.
I'm missing them much but they are now lost..".

I sang quietly under the Northern Lights as some tears has escaped my eyes. They were the first ones that actually made me free my feelings once more. I didn't know that Gaurandir still remained behind me. He rested a hand on my shoulder and smiled for a moment. "Katrandil of Gondor, Forngarmo o Forod, Gorneleg o Forochel - nothing is yet lost for you. For you are a doer of Great Things. And you will accomplish everything you want like you did all along. I am sure you will reclaim all that once belonged to you and was close to your heart." - He said with signs of encouragement in his voice. I smiled once again. Indeed all of my friends that remained alive were the ones I missed really much. Even though Ornessar might've sailed to the Undying Lands already. Whatever can be accomplished and fixed will be done. I will not give up. For I am Gorneleg of the North. And so I thought as we continued our journey and finally left Forochel behind.