Culir! I know not what to make of him as yet, for my mentor in the arts of scouting can be as ethereal of nature as any mist. Yet even after the short time I have known him, I perceive he will be one in whom I can trust my deepest thoughts. Wise in the ways of the wild is he – and contemplative of such. Aye – much can I learn from this ‘invisible’ ellon I warrant.
Now this is what transpired with my recent training for my role as Pethroval in the Grey Watch – and what led to my latest path.
A message I received by a hawk unknown – a small scroll of writing attached to her leg, asking that a supply of linen be sent to a certain location. It was in my thoughts that the bird would usually have flown directly to Curugirion had he been at Thamas Lorn, but…as I had been upon the cliff tops at the time of her arrival, she had come to my call.
Of course, I had no hesitation in bearing the message to one in authority, and in Curugirion’s absence it was to Aearandir the scroll was given. I found him in the Great Hall, studying charts for some purpose I knew not of.
After the briefest perusal of the scroll, Aearandir had smiled somewhat wryly.
“Linnethril is returning to her scouting territory later this day. It is but a short detour for her to meet with Culir at Echad Rond, and deliver the linen he has asked for.”
Aearandir’s deep blue eyes had glanced to me with a depth of consideration. “And you, Aearlinn, may do well to accompany her,” he spoke thoughtfully. “You have shown yourself most competent in the training you have received, and in the recent assault on Rath Teraig. As all the Household are required to spend some time in training with the Ethiriath this would be an ideal opportunity for you to learn more of scouting.”
Though I knew my training would move on apace, I had not expected such, at least not so soon. I believe my eyes betrayed my mixed emotions – most proud was I that Aearandir had faith in my readiness, yet to be away….away from Thamas Lorn at such short notice…
“I suggest you go and make preparations. Much that is needful you will find as you journey, so you may travel light.” There was gentleness in the caun’s voice that hinted he understood my confusion. “I should think you will enjoy escaping the rigours of drill, at Echad Rond for awhile,” he added, raising a brow and grinning mischievously at me. Then, with a half-suppressed laugh, his attention was turned back to the charts.
I knew his recommendation was for my good. Three years only had I spent alone in the wilds, but no training had I received in the art of survival, rather had I trusted to my innate abilities and to observation. In days of growing unrest, of goblin incursions into Ered Luin, that might not be enough!
So I returned to the hawk tower to inform Gaerdor, who is my assistant Hawk Keeper, of what should be done for the birds in my absence. He is much younger than I, but his care for the creatures that are our friends is evident. I said brief ‘farewells’ to Tiri and Cugu, and then hurried back to my own quarters to pack, and to change from my uniform to garb more appropriate for the task at hand.
By eight bells I was back in the Great Hall, to find Linnethril already present and awaiting me.
Now the prospect of travelling with Linnethril was a joy to me. She was one of the first of the ‘Grey Watch’ I encountered, and ever was she kind of speech and merry of nature. And this we held in common, that though both appreciated others may find their fill of beauty in golden Lothlorien, or fair Imladris, yet she and I could conceive of nothing that would better the hills and dales of Lindon – the blossom and trees; the falls and many winding streams. Nay - nothing so far from the sight and sound of the Great Sea would steal our hearts from the land we loved.
“..and the boars have become more troublesome than even Culir expected.” Aearandir finished his sentence to Linnethril, before nodding greeting to me.
After casting a critical eye over my attire, ensuring I was correctly garbed and equipped, the caun continued:
“This linen is to be given to Culir for the repair he mentions at Echad Baranduin. Travel swiftly. Culir himself will instruct you now, Aearlinn, for though you are not intended to join the Ethiriath, you must understand the skills involved.”
And with a nod and a warm smile of ‘farewell’, his attention was back upon the documents and maps still on the desk before him, that I wondered much at what other news he had, and what was being planned.
Linnethril and I departed the Great Hall in good spirits, stopping briefly to exchange words with Aegledor, who had just returned to Thamas Lorn himself. Then, we were away, our horses heads turned towards the land of the Periannath.
Now I had travelled in that land often in my own wanderings, though ever kept to the borders, and the forests that none would see me save by rarest chance. And I had travelled the route that visited our supply camps with Aearandir nigh a season ago. But this time Linnethril led me away from that road shortly after we had passed through Needlehole, in the cover of darkness. The Shire folk were mostly abed, and such is ever to our good, that they know not of those who watch over them.
Into that land we rode, ever cautious, ever silent, ever observant of sight and sound and smell. We spoke but little, and that in whispers when we knew we were far from any habitation, and so the night passed into a fair, golden dawn. We rested our mounts and ourselves in the dappled shade of a grove of oak trees, both edhil and horses enjoying the feeling of tranquillity about us. Yet not without cost was that tranquillity won, that the ‘Halflings’ could continue their bucolic existence without concern – at least for the most part.
And again, as Anor rose to mid-heavens, we set out, ever watchful, least one of those ‘bounders’ should spot us – and be a-feared. By the end of that day, as rain began to fall from clouds of deep grey, and a low and swirling mist developed, we approached our goal.
“What do you see, Aearlinn?” Linnethril spoke in her softest voice. “What tells you our camp is near at hand?”
I did wonder, for all my finely tuned senses told me was of enshrouded rocks and trees and creatures of the wilds…
Linnethril smiled and nodded, as she saw I understood. “Indeed; you see nothing! Then let us dismount and lead our horses on from this point. Our presence is doubtlessly noted already.”
She swung gracefully from the saddle, and began to move up hill, still using the available cover as she went. I followed as best I could, aware the last thing wanted was to draw the attention of anything wandering the mists to our camp.
But Echad Rond; it seemed deserted!
