Ella headed up the path towards the Inn. Her mind was still full of concern for Baralinion. Why had the owl not found him? Where even was he?
The evening was drawing in, and the stars above were beginning to appear. She raised her eyes up to the sparkling constellations and whispered a quiet prayer. “Watch over him, wherever he is. Bring him back…”
She took a deep breath as she pushed on the heavy wooden door. She was hopeful she would find a friendly face within, who may help calm her nerves and suggest a plan of action. At least she would feel like she had done something – rather than just keep it to herself. As the entered the main hall, the creature that sat and guarded the door let out a howl. This time she was ready for him, and reached into her pocket to retrieve a small meaty treat. “Here you go boy.” she said with a smile, as she scanned the room looking for the Silvan.
Among the normal hustle and bustle of the inn that night, there was unfortunately no sign of him, however another figure sat at the far table caught Ella’s attention. The man, whose eyes were now covered, sat clutching a staff, and looked so tired and dishevelled, but there was no mistaking… It was him. It was the hunter. Ella moved closer. With the noise of the tavern and the mans eyes being covered, she expected to be able to get closer to him before he became aware of her presence. This was not to be.
He raised his head in her direction and gave a slight smile '"Smelled so fragrant, I knew you when you walked into the room."' This caught Ella off guard, as she just blurted out, “oh! Erm… What on earth has happened to you Sir?!”
The hunter did not answer her question. Instead he just invited her to join him “Take a seat, little one”. She moved the chair and sat down beside him. “I am Cynraede. A pleasure to finally meet you properly…” Ella smiled. There had been no such introductions the last time they had sat together, when their chance meeting in the forest had resulted in Ella’s current employment.
She watched as he tried to get comfortable in the chair, using his gnarled staff to support him . In the few months since she saw him last, life had not treated him kindly. Not only had he injured his eyes somehow, but his whole body seemed to have aged much faster than the time that had passed.
As if he could sense her watching him, he lifted is face as if to look right at her “So Ella, what brings you in here this evening?” Ella looked at him. She knew that he and Baralinion worked together, she could trust him. “In all honesty, I am worried. About Baralinion, my last message was returned to me – and that hasn’t happened before. Something just feels off. I don’t like it.” Ella admitted.
Cynraedes head tilts slightly, “Returned to you? How did you send it?” he enquired gently. Ella explained about the owl, and how she appeared at the right time and had up to now always found Bara to both deliver messages and to bring word back to her. She went on to tell him how this time the owl had returned distressed with her note still attached. The hunter nodded slightly and told her matter of factly, “The owl is his spirit animal. So how long ago did you send it?” Ella went on to explain it had been a few weeks since she had last heard from him, and that as far as she knew he was out towards Rohan investigating reports of a creature.
Cynraede raised his hand slightly to pause her from speaking “Elladoraa,” he said softly, “What do you know of our order?” She hesitated. Was this a test? “Erm honestly? Only what I have gleaned from conversation. But I know that ultimately you are attempting to bring light to dark places, and help those that aren't always able to help themselves. That has been enough for me so far to know I should be trying to help you.”
Cynraede nodded his head slowly, '"What you must understand my dear is that sometimes those of us who serve the light must do so in darkness. I fear for my brother but I know his destiny is already carved in stone by Eru Illuvitar himself. I rest easily knowing that Orome guides his hands. The reports of this beast are partially correct, however the reasoning it being there were not disclosed to you. They were not even fully disclosed to me. Baralinion told me he heard the call of the Lady. Our, lady. Iaurmenel Alkawen and he must heed the call. Right now, he is undergoing the trials of the Caun. A most.. Gruelling, task.":'
Elladoraa looked on concerned, 'Will he... Will he be alright?'
Cynraede sighed slightly, '"Only time can tell. I taught him and prepared him as best as I was able... He, is the only one who can rise for the challenge. I am not fit, to be the Caun... Which brings me to my next question.” He waited a moment before continuing. '"Ella, My hands are not to be troubled with the bearings of being Caun... My hands will never feel the warmth of her blade. I have sent forth for the artifacts to be reclaimed from our hold and Master Riori has brought them to us... My eyes have been taken from me, Ella and my strength is sundered."' His voice fell quiet.
Reaching out his hands, he laid them upon the table with a warm, feeble smile "Ella.. Let me feel your hands." Elladoraa looked at the hunter with a puzzled face, but moved forwards regardless. She lifted her hands and placed them gently within his. His fingers closed around them.
He smiled, '"A softness with strength... A steel gauntlet clad in elven silk. You bear a strength about you rarely seen...” he paused as he released her hands. “You.. Will be my hands... My eyes... and we must make ready, for Baralinion for his return."
As Ella listened and tried to understand what she was being told, she noticed tears fall from beneath the wrappings over Cynraedes eyes and onto his cheeks. He began to make efforts to stand, relying greatly upon his staff. "Kneel, Elladoraa. You, are the last to be inducted into the order, by my hands." Ella’s eyes widen as she realised the significance of what was happening.
“Repeat after me Elladoraa, as I give you the words”
As Cynraede spoke, and paused, Ella repeated the Oath.
"I hereby swear fealty, and do homage to the Order of the Seven, for I am the guardian of the light. Bearer of the knowledge of the divine. I am sworn to valour, and my heart knows only virtue. I shall be courageous in the face of my enemies, foremost in battle. I shall be righteous and just in my every action, and courteous at all times. I shall be the light in the darkness, to safeguard the helpless, protect the innocent, and do no wrong.
I am the guardian of the light. Bearer of the knowledge of the divine. I shall uphold the sacred wisdom of the world. Be righteous, and benevolent to whoever I may meet. Be just in my every action, and speak the truth always, even if it leads to my death. I shall be the light guiding those lost in the dark. I shall support those in the battle against darkness, and lead through right action and mind. That is my oath"
As Ella spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks. She thought of her parents and their assurances that in life she should shine light wherever it is dark. Surely, this was what they would have wanted for her.
'"Rise. Elladoraa” commanded Cynraede, “You knelt as a girl, a stranger to the flame. Rise, a daughter of the light. Bearer of the dawn."'
Ella stood up slowly, and dried her eyes with the corner of her sleeve.
'"Now.. Help me find a nice cold pint... Lets drink."' A wide grin appeared on his face.
Ella took his arm and led him back to his seat. As she did so attempted once more to find out what had happened to him. 'So" she asked, "are you going to tell me what happened to you then?"'
Cynraede shook his head, '"Let us not dwell on such dark matters... Hmm?"'
Elladoraa raises her eyebrow, "hmmm I see... well, maybe in time..." She gets the attention of the duty tavern staff and orders them a drink. As they arrive, she also moves some food closer to the hunter from the table. She looked at him closely "Have you even eaten today?"
"Mmmh, do not think because you took the oath you get to quiz your elders." He grumbled half-heartedly, with a slight smile.
Elladoraa grins "hmm I know. but your hands and eyes you say?, well…” and with that she places a chunk of bread in the hunters hand, and sits back down in her chair and picks up a drink.
