[Ithaeliel]

"Noro, noro Ithilion!"

The hooves of a white horse sounded across the Fields of Celebrant, mingled with the cries of the frenzied rider as he raced on, his brilliant green eyes straining desperately for a glimpse of the familiar Golden Wood, his thought bent on whether he would ever see it again. But a few hours ago the rider had caught word of a band of Easterlings who were dangerously close to Lothlorien, his home. But now, exhausted by his constant yelling and sore from riding rugged parts even his great steed could not make smooth, he was forced to stop. Sliding to the earth, he stroked the muzzle of his weary mount. "Well done, my friend, to have gone so far uncomplaining." So saying, the dark-haired elf left Ithilion to graze and, sighing in frustration, jumped nimbly to the top of a boulder that jutted out of the ground. Fiddling with his bowstring, he scanned the barren plain for a target. Yet his eyes spotted not one sign of life other than his horse. "The Wild Men must have gone hunting the harts," he muttered with indignance.

From behind came thudding hooves and voices crying out his name. Looking back, the elf saw it was his companions, a husband and wife who took a surname of Fleetheart.
"Feadhros," called the woman, "You must not ride off so suddenly ever again!"
"The Lady would not will you to panic with this news," chastised the other.

Feadhros hung his head. "No, she would not," he said. "Yet I feel it is in her best interest that we be there to protect her from harm. These Easterlings are said to be ruthless."

"Lady Galadriel will be safe until we arrive, of that I can assure you, young Feadhros. In the future, you must stay calm. Your nerves could be the death of you," said the woman.

Feadhros relinquished. "I am sorry for abandoning my post so recklessly. I shall not do it again."

His companions smiled. "It is forgiven. Since we have come this far, let us continue." And mounting their horses, the three scouts of Lorien went once more toward Lorien.

[ December 29, 2002: Message edited by: Ithaeliel ]