The evening darkens, the sun set some time ago. A rustle in the trees confirms the winds are there, even though they are unnoticeable on the skin. The wide, stonelaid path leads towards a bridge that majestically curves above the flowing Anduin. Vines hanging from the bridge have not yet felt the caressing touch of the wind. Grey eyes peer out across the bridge, towards the music and the dancers on the other side. Her fellow Eldar seem to enjoy the evening and the revelry as much as before. Whether there is war or peace, life goes on.
"How can a heart be filled with both joy and dread at the same time?"
A last glance and the heavier step in front of her urges her on. Along the banks of the river, towards a more secluded spot, away from the revellers. Still wearing her padded leather armour, she can not feel the grass touching her skin as she is clad from neck to toe. A fleeting thought crosses her mind as they quietly move towards a large rock near the water. This peace they have had for a time will not last. A glance at the back of her companion confirms her suspicion. The determination in his step makes her heart sink ever further into despair. A memory from weeks before makes her stop for a second. An afternoon at the forges with his kin turned everything on its head. New orders and a long journey would lead him far away from her. With that thought, her legs jolt, making her leap forward and walk closely in his footsteps.
- Up there, on the rock. Words he uttered with a smile and a leap onto the grey, uneaven surface. With fishing rod in hand, her agile climb becomes somewhat hindered, yet not longer in time than his. She smiles at him, knowing that their moments together may be even fewer in the future and to spoil them with a frown would not make the memory any easier to bear. - You do like your rocks... A hearty laugh from him lightens her mood a bit, enough to make her aware of the sights around them.
The river's flow is calmer here, moving past the rock with a slow, lapping sound as the water touches the surface of the rock. The sky has darkened and the stars above shines with a comforting light. She utters a silent prayer to Elbereth to keep her love safe as she tries not to look at the far side of the river. Keeping her gaze closer, she looks down into the water, before throwing the line out. Their humour keeps their spirits a bit higher for a time, he perched on the rock surface and she concentrating on her fishing. The line gets caught in some weeds which she holds up for him to see. - I wonder what to do with this? He looks at them and shrugs. - Dry them. Make a nice basket. Her heart sinks at the thought of making something to put into a home. A home they would share some day. If they are both alive.
Carefully she lays the rod aside and sits down next to him. The time for laughter is over. Fearful of what the answer might be, they both try to talk of things around them. As he lays an arm around her shoulders, she rests her head agains his shoulder, a familiar and comforting move. She half-closes her eyes, realising that she has to know what will happen. He leans back a bit, supports her with his right arm and looks at her with a smile.
- How long before you..... before you know whether you will have to leave...?
Afraid of what he might say, yet determined to learn the truth, she looks up at him. The smiles turns into a serious expression as he hears her words.
- 'The news will come between now and a few days...
She nods, looking down at her hands as she fiddles with her gloves.
- At the same time, we all will know the names of the ones who should go...but I think all Hammer has to..
A quick glance at him makes her aware of his faint smile, his attempt to comfort her with news he knows will upset her. She halts her fiddling and stares into the night.
With a resolute look at him, she responds. - If you go..... I will go too.
- But.... accompany us? Is that what you mean?
As he ponders, she returns her gaze towards the river, silently observing the water for a time. Her hope sinks like a rock tossed in the river.
- If you do not want me there....
He mumbles to himself at first.
- Gwingris...... Yes, of course I want you near me.....that is not worth the question, but .....into battle?... Gwingris, yes.... I think that would be safe.
The thought of not being able to help him should he be hurt on the battlefield prompts her to indignation. The following thought, a fighters response; did he not believe in her prowess in war? - You think I cannot defend myself?
- Yes, you can, I know that....... but could I bear it to see you go into battle, with the chance you...
He halts his voice, unable to utter the words they both fear would realise the event. She frowns at him, fully aware of the despearation in her own voice. -That is how I feel every time you leave... Will I ever see him again? Will he be hurt or worse?.
She sighs, disparaged and disheartened. - I cannot sit idly at home, waiting for you to return.
His attempts to comfort her makes her uneasy. - We are trained warriors, my sweet, trained in working together, as a unit.....the risk, if you...
In a fit of anger and despair, she stands up looking down at him, wanting any sort of advantage she can get even if it is just in height. - If I what?
His eyes reaches hers above him, his mind stricken with worry for what may become of her should she follow him.
- If you would wonder off, on your own.......the risk, you must understand that... It would be wonderful if you would come along to Gwingris, but joining Hammer on the field of battle...
At that moment, she sighs, knowing full well she is defeated. Her shoulders droops and her posture becomes like the willow tree, waving in a wind she cannot change nor turn. Suddenly the presence of the forest on the other side of the river seems to be looming over her, making her aware of the future that is rapidly moving towards them. A future they both are prepared for yet none of them wishes to face. He gently embraces her, following her gaze to the other side. She leans her head back onto his shoulder, whispering as her voice barely carries anymore. - Just give me a task to do.. anything. Idleness will drive me insane...
His lips touches her hair for a moment before he utters a quiet reply. - I will think of something, my love, but the thought of a risk to lose my greatest treasure.... No... it will be not a task on the battlefield. Mayhap the guarding of Gwingris...
Trying to avert any thoughts of what may happen, she utters her last words for the evening. - I suppose that should keep me busy for a time...
The looming forest seems to rise above them, and yet the river flows ever on past it. Feeling somewehat comforted by its passing beneath them, she resigns to her fate. Wherever he would go, there would she be. Not like the rock sinking into the river, but like the tree branch flowing with it.
